Forsus / Carriere Appliances
Instructions and what to expect with your child’s Forsus or Carriere appliance.
Back to Orthodontics
What Are Forsus and Carriere Appliances?
- Orthodontic appliances used to help correct certain bite discrepancies, especially Class II bite relationships
- They apply controlled forces that help guide the teeth and bite toward a more ideal relationship
- The orthodontist selects the appliance based on the patient’s bite, growth, treatment stage, and individual treatment goals
Forsus Appliance
- A fixed spring-based appliance that is attached to the braces and works continuously while in place
- Commonly used to help reduce an excessive overjet and improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth
- Because it is fixed, it does not depend on the patient remembering to put it in each day
What to Expect With Forsus
- Pressure or soreness of the teeth and jaw is common during the first several days
- The cheeks may initially feel irritated where the appliance contacts the inside of the mouth
- Orthodontic wax may be used on areas that rub until the mouth adapts
- The appliance may feel bulky at first, especially while chewing or speaking
Carriere Appliance
- A fixed bar-like appliance attached to selected teeth and typically used with elastics
- Often used before braces or during a specific phase of treatment to help improve the bite relationship
- Successful treatment depends heavily on wearing the prescribed elastics consistently
Wear Instructions for Carriere Elastics (CRITICAL)
- Wear elastics for the exact number of hours and in the exact pattern prescribed by your orthodontist
- This appliance is generally worn in conjunction with a lower retainer — the lower retainer must always be worn while wearing the elastics to ensure proper bite coordination
- Replace elastics as directed and keep extra elastics available
- Do not change elastic size, strength, or attachment points without instructions
- Missed elastic wear can significantly slow progress and lengthen this phase of treatment
Care & Food Instructions
- Brush carefully around all attachment points and appliance components
- Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can loosen or damage the appliance
- Do not pull, twist, or play with the appliance
- If a Forsus spring disengages, a Carriere attachment becomes loose, or any component breaks, contact the office for instructions
If Something Goes Wrong
- Contact the office if the appliance becomes loose, breaks, is lost, no longer fits properly, or causes significant or worsening pain
- Do not attempt to bend, repair, or adjust the appliance unless specifically instructed by your orthodontist
Questions About Your Child's Appliance?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's orthodontic appliance, our team is here to help. Call our Dupont office and we'll walk you through it.
Se Habla Espanol