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Case Reports
. 2013 Oct;4(4):523-6.
doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.123064.

Modified quad helix appliance for thumb sucking and cross bite correction

C Vinay  1 , V Sandeep  1 , C H Hanumanth Rao  2 , K S Uloopi  1 , A Siva Kumar  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Modified quad helix appliance for thumb sucking and cross bite correction

C Vinay et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Digit sucking habit is a learned pattern of behavior commonly seen in children of preschool age. Prolonged digit sucking beyond the preschool age, lead to the development of malocclusion such as anterior open bite, maxillary constriction and posterior crossbite. Treatment strategies include interception of habit and correction of the malocclusion. The present case report describes a modified quad helix appliance used successfully in a 9-year-old child to intercept thumb sucking habit and simultaneous correction of posterior crossbite. The appliance has the advantage of easy fabrication, being versatile and more patients compliant.

Keywords: Crossbite; digit sucking; modified quad helix appliance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) A 9-year-old boy with mild convex profile. (b) Intra-oral pictures showing bilateral posterior crossbite and mild open bite
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Pre-treatment cephalometric radiograph and tracing. (b) Pre-treatment orthopantomogram
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Modified quad helix appliance. (b) Arrows indicate the site of activation of the appliance using 3-prong plier for more anterior expansion
Figure 4
Figure 4
(a) Post-treatment extra oral photographs. (b) Intra -oral pictures showing establishment of positive overbite and bucco-lingual relationship
Figure 5
Figure 5
Post-treatment cephalometric radiograph and tracing
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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