This article includes the recommended protocols for use of an expander appliance with LightForce
Expander Protocol for plans to REMOVE appliance for Phase II Treatment AFTER EXPANSION
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Scan Patient before expander is placed (If expanders are made with an outside lab, you can scan for LightForce and for the expander, send scans to both labs and bond appliances together at the same time)
Note: If the office decides to seat the expander before LightForce brackets have been bonded there may be indirect bond tray fit issues. Make sure to Trial Fit the trays if the office decides to expand before LightForce Treatment and cut/segment trays if needed.
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Bond Lower 6-6 of LightForce
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Bond Upper 5-5 of LightForce (Individual Upper right and left molar non-custom brackets in IDB Jig - not included with 5-5)
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While patient is being treated with the expander you can connect a segment of arch wire from Upper 1-1 (upper central incisors) or Upper 2-2 (lateral incisor to lateral incisor)
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After expansion, remove the expander, then bond individual Upper 6 brackets with IDB trays and connect a new wire to all brackets 6-6 to hold expansion.
Expander Protocol for plans to KEEP Expander or KEEP bands with brackets and remove palatal/lingual portion of appliance AFTER EXPANSION
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Scan the patient after the expander has been seated: This will allow the Treatment Planners to set up your LightForce case based off of the bracket position on the expander bands.
Note: If there are lingual bars/rests connected to the expander that cover the lingual surface of any teeth, the indirect bond tray will not have enough surface area to be manufactured. You must scan the patient before seating the expander.
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Bond Lower 6-6 of LightForce
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Bond Upper 5-5 of LightForce (Upper molar tubes will not be included in indirect bond trays)
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While patient is being treated with the expander you can connect a segment of arch wire from Upper 1-1 (upper central incisors) or Upper 2-2 (lateral incisor to lateral incisor)