The Ins and Outs of a Forsus Appliance (Forsus Springs)

If your kids have an overbite, they are far from alone. Almost 70 percent of kids have an overbite, making it a common issue. Unfortunately, overbites, which cause the upper set of teeth to overlap the bottom set, can make it difficult and even painful to chew. Overbites may also lead to other oral health conditions, such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw conditions, and tooth loss.

If you are concerned about your child’s overbite, here is some reassuring news: it can be fixed using a combination of dental treatments, including braces and what is known as a Forsus appliance.

What is a Forsus Appliance?

A Forsus appliance, which is also sometimes called Forsus springs, can be used along with braces to correct an overbite.

Our friendly and experienced technicians will attach springs to each side of a patient’s jaw. The Forsus appliance then works by shifting the upper teeth back and the lower ones forward through continuous pressure. Thanks to the Forsus appliance, we have found that patients can avoid having other more invasive treatments for an overbite, including premolar teeth extractions, corrective surgeries, or headgear.

The Benefits of a Forsus Appliance

A Forsus appliance offers a variety of benefits to patients, including:

• Having a normal ability to move the jaw and speak
• The device is slim and easy to keep clean
• The appliance may be used without elastics
• Unlike elastics and headgear, the appliance is always present and does not require patients to remember to wear it. This can make Forsus springs an effective treatment option for younger patients.

How Long Will I Need to Wear it?

Once installed, the Forsus appliance is typically worn between three to eight months. This time varies based on factors such as:

• The severity of the overbite
• The age and overall health of the patient
• The condition of the patient’s teeth
• The patient’s bone density and tooth movement
• Other oral health factors

Eating and Brushing with the Forsus Appliance

When using Forsus springs, patients do need to follow eating recommendations to avoid damaging the device or their teeth. These include:

• Avoiding opening their mouth too wide
• Cutting food into smaller, easily eaten pieces
• Avoiding hard and sticky foods

Wearing a Forsus appliance does not replace regular dental hygiene, and patients should exercise caution when brushing and flossing. Interdental toothbrushes are recommended when brushing around the rod and spring of the device.

While most orthopedic devices can be uncomfortable at first, patients who experience a lot of pain or significant discomfort should contact their orthodontist about any concerns that they may have.

Is a Forsus Appliance Right for Me?

The Forsus appliance is an excellent treatment option for patients who are currently wearing braces and need to have an overbite corrected.

It’s also worth noting that a dental professional can only install a Forsus appliance after a patient has had their braces for several months. This waiting period is necessary for the orthodontist to ensure that a patient’s teeth respond to their braces and to better assess if Forsus springs are the best option.

Would you like to learn more about the Forsus appliance, and/or decide if it’s the right option for you or your child? Please reach out to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kendra Pratt Manning–she looks forward to meeting with you!