This article is sponsored content brought to you by AB Orthodontics.
Maxillary transverse deficiencies, commonly associated with crowding and crossbite, are frequent orthodontic challenges, particularly in growing patients. Traditional palatal expanders require at-home activation by the patient or patient’s caregiver, which can lead to inconsistent results and extra management for the clinician. The Leaf Expander and Leaf Self-Expander offer a modern solution to these challenges, eliminating the need for home activation altogether and providing reliable, predictable results.
1. No Home Activation Required
A standout feature of both the Leaf Expander and the Leaf Self-Expander is the complete elimination of home activation. Traditional expanders rely on patient or parent involvement for daily adjustments, which can lead to compliance issues and inconsistent progress. With these two options, activation is either done entirely by the clinician in-office (for the Leaf Expander) or is completely self-regulated (for the Leaf Self-Expander). This means no further action is required from the patient, ensuring smoother treatment and predictable outcomes.
2. Two Types to Suit Every Need
The Leaf Expander and Leaf Self-Expander come in two distinct types to cater to different patient needs:
Leaf Expander: This model is activated chairside by the clinician. After initial placement, the clinician uses a swivel key to activate the device, bringing the two opposing Nickel Titanium MEMORIA® leaf springs into contact. This activation is performed in the clinic, ensuring full control over the expansion process.
Leaf Self-Expander: Unlike the Leaf Expander, this version requires no activation at all. The self-expanding device relies on the inherent elasticity of the leaf springs, which provide continuous, calibrated forces over time. The patient does not require any in-office activation or at-home adjustments, making this option particularly convenient for both the clinician and the patient.
3. Available Expansion Capacities and Force Options
Both expanders come in two expansion capacities: 6mm and 9mm. The correct choice depends on the patient’s needs, ensuring a customized treatment plan. Additionally, each model is available with two force options:
• 450g force for mixed dentition or younger patients in the early stages of development.
• 900g force for permanent dentition or older patients requiring more substantial expansion.
These options allow the clinician to select the most suitable device for each patient based on their age and degree of arch expansion needed.
4. Simplified Clinical Management
Both the Leaf Expander and Leaf Self-Expander are designed to simplify clinical management. The Leaf Expander requires only a simple chairside activation with a swivel key, while the Leaf Self-Expander needs no activation at all. Both devices come with pre-compressed leaf springs, secured with metal staples, which are removed after the device is constructed. A safety leash and clip help ensure smooth setup during appliance delivery, making the process easy and straightforward for both the clinician and technician.
5. Predictable, Long-Lasting Results
Both expanders are engineered to deliver controlled, gradual maxillary expansion with minimal clinical involvement after bonding. The Leaf Expander ensures precise, predictable outcomes with occasional chairside activation. The Leaf Self-Expander offers a hassle-free experience, relying on its continuous, calibrated forces. The result is a more functional occlusion, improved arch form, and spontaneous eruption of permanent teeth.
Conclusion
The Leaf Expander and Leaf Self-Expander offer cutting-edge solutions for maxillary expansion. With no need for home activation, these devices ensure consistent, predictable results while simplifying clinical management. Choose the Leaf Expander for easy in-office activation or the Leaf Self-Expander for completely hands-off treatment – both options ensure optimal outcomes without the need for patient compliance.
Exclusively distributed by AB Orthodontics Pty Ltd 03 9650 2526 | sales@ortho.com.au | www.ortho.com.au
