Should I Expect Forsus Appliance Discomfort?

Some patients may require more than just traditional braces to get their perfect smile. If a patient requires additional help correcting an overbite, a Forsus appliance may be the right solution for them.

Whether it’s for you or your child, our orthodontist can safely provide a Forsus appliance to help with overbites or other improper bite alignments. We understand that some patients may be concerned about the discomfort or pain that may come with Forsus appliances. We hope to alleviate some of those concerns in this article.

What is a Forsus Appliance?

In layman’s terms, a Forsus appliance is a spring coil that is attached to your braces on the upper first molar and the lower arch. The force from the spring coil helps move your upper molars back and your lower arch forward to create the desired alignment over time.

A Forsus appliance is mostly used to treat adolescents and teenagers, with patients wearing it anywhere from six to nine months, depending on the severity of the overbite. Regular orthodontic follow-ups are required so our team can keep track of the progress and make any adjustments if we need to.

What Kind of Discomfort Can I Expect?

Like with most orthodontic or dental solutions, mild discomfort can be expected. The Forsus appliance works by gently applying pressure to your teeth each time you close your mouth, so your ability to eat or speak will not be greatly affected.

For the first few days after receiving your Forsus appliance, your teeth and jaw may be tender, and it may be slightly difficult to chew solid or crunchy food. This discomfort will subside after a few days.

Some patients have experienced mild cheek irritation or soreness during the first week of having the device. This is usually caused by the rod rubbing against the cheek and can be easily managed by placing a cotton roll between the rod and the cheek at night. After separating your cheek from the appliance, the sore will disappear within a few days.

How Can I Minimize the Discomfort?

There are a few things you can do to minimize any temporary discomfort you may feel after receiving the device. We strongly advise our patients to not open their mouth too much or too wide as it may cause the rod to slide out of the spring coil. If this happens, patients can fix the issue themselves with proper instruction or schedule a visit to our office for a quick fix.

Just like braces, we also advise our patients to adhere to specific limitations when eating. With a limited bite, patients should cut their food into smaller pieces and stick with softer food that does not require forceful chewing. Avoiding hard, crunchy food will help avoid any discomfort or pain while keeping the device intact.

Regular brushing and cleaning are also important to maintaining your braces or appliance.

Is Forsus Appliance Right for Me or My Child?

Each patient will require a personalized orthodontic treatment that’s best suited for their teeth and mouth. The best way to determine if the Forsus appliance is right for you or your child is to schedule a consultation appointment with us. During the consultation, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of whether the Forsus appliance is what you or your child needs.

How Can I Get the Forsus Appliance?

If you would like to find out more about the Forsus appliance, schedule a consultation appointment with our office to see if a Forsus appliance is the right treatment for you or your child. You can schedule an appointment with any one of Dr. Kendra Pratt Manning’s friendly team members by calling us at 281-367-0050 (Woodlands) or 936-596-1200 (Montgomery).

Interested in getting the right orthodontic treatment for you or your child? Book an appointment with us and we’ll help you get a perfect smile.