| |
Arch development is a collective term which describes a variety of appliances used to gain both arch width and arch length . These appliances range form the simple Schwarz appliance with lap springs, to the high speed rapid palatal expanders . They may utilize orthodontic movement , orthopedic movement , or a combination of both and may be either fixed or removable .
With proper design , expansion appliances may be used to move teeth on either side of the arch unilaterally or bilaterally , They may be used to relieve crowding in the posterior segments , develop immature premaxillas , and relieve anterior crowding .
There are many indications for arch development. The overwhelming majority of lateral expansion appliances are used to treat crossbites , crowding , excessive overjet , or a combination of these conditions in patients with a Class I or a mild Class II skeletal pattern. |
