Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia - Sam Wong Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia
Dr Wong and Dr Leivesley are always up to date with new advances in orthodontics. benefit from Dr Leivesley’s or Dr Wong’s skill, care and experience – and in orthodontics, experience counts!
Braces Information: Fixed Braces, Treatment in general, parts of the braces and elastics
Orthodontic Appliances: Retainers, Removable Plates, CBJ Appliance and Invisalign Invisible Aligners and Braces
Children's Orthodontist: Orthodontic Treatment for children and early childhood treatment
Brushing with Braces: Information on maintenance of your braces
Orthodontist Queensland Australia - Orthodontist Brisbane Queensland Australia
Dr Sam Wong is a professionally qualified orthodontist in Brisbane Queensland Australia offering latest technology in orthodontics including invisalign invisible braces, clear sapphire braces and other orthodontic services.
 

Orthodontic functional appliances all serve a similar purpose – to help your jaws develop normally and to help you achieve facial balance and harmony. One functional appliance used to maintain facial balance is the Cantilever Bite Jumper (CBJ).

The CBJ is a growth modifying appliance that is worn to promote jaw growth to achieve a better balance between the jaws. To obtain results this appliance is fixed in the mouth and relies on non patient compliance. It is therefore worn 24 hours a day until the desired result is achieved. It cannot be removed by the patient, only by your Orthodontist.

The important thing to remember is that this appliance can give you an improved appearance and a face that looks much more “balanced” with a normal jaw line and a pleasing smile.

Several appointments will need to be scheduled to prepare, fabricate and insert the appliance.

Stage 1 – The Expansion

To enable the upper jaw to fit together when the lower jaw is protruded forward, we need to expand the upper arch laterally. This is achieved by using a Rapid Maxillary Expansion Appliance (RME).

The expansion appliance is designed to expand your upper jaw and provide adequate space to later straighten your teeth. For the appliance to work it must be activated daily, according to the Orthodontist’s instructions.
RME Appliance

• You will feel some pressure as the appliance expands the jaw and sometimes a tingling sensation is noted at the bridge of your nose.

• As a result of this activation, expect to see a space open between your two front teeth. This is a good sign! The space will close once the expansion stage has been completed.

• With the RME in place, you may notice a change in your speech for a short time. Speak slowly and distinctly until your tongue adapts to the change.

• Once the upper jaw has been expanded the assembly of the CBJ appliance can be fitted to start the translation of the lower jaw forwards.

Stage 2 – The Insertion of the CBJ

This part of the appliance consists of the lower assembly being cemented in place and connected to the upper assembly by the “pistons” with the lower jaw in the protruded position. The “pistons” are locked in place to the assemblies by tiny screws.

The appliance postures the lower jaw forward, preventing tooth closure into the “natural” biting position.

The “amount” of forward positioning of the lower jaw is checked at regular visits, where adjustments can be made if necessary. The appliance is in place for a 6-9 month period, until the desired result is achieved.

Success with functional appliances, such as the CBJ, depends on you being an active team member, looking after your appliance by eating the correct foods and taking care of your oral hygiene.

Diet
• During treatment, sweet, sticky and sugary foods should be avoided. These foods increase the chance of decay and can cause problems with your appliance, such as loosening of the CBJ!
Tooth brushing
• You can look after the CBJ by brushing at least twice a day for 3-4 minutes. Using a small, soft headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brush around the appliance, making sure to clean the teeth, bands, pistons and screws. Rinsing after meals is also a great help to remove any food or debris that may catch around the CBJ.
Problems
• If the appliance does become loose, or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office. The receptionists are here to help you and, if needed, will schedule an appointment time to check the appliance, and attend to your queries.

Promoting jaw growth requires persistence. If you persevere, you will see improvements in just a few months – changes that will last a lifetime!

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