Thanks to the widest selection of orthodontic appliances that have the ability to correct a bite in childhood, each patient can easily choose the appropriate device. All of them are united by their mission - to return the anatomically correct position of the teeth and establish the correct bite.
Orthodontic treatment of occlusion
Differing in principle of action, frequency of use and method of fixation in the oral cavity, many of them have been in demand for more than a dozen years. One of the most common today is rightfully considered the development of a multifunctional action patented by a German professor - the Frenkel apparatus. The purpose of the device is the treatment of malformations and malocclusion in children of the younger age group (from 4 to 11 years).
The Frenkel apparatus was created in the middle of the last century.
Immediately after confirming the effectiveness of the development in countless laboratories, it was offered for use for mass treatment of children. The Frenkel apparatus (the photo is presented below for clarity) is used, as a rule, to eliminate the defect of mesioocclusion.
Indications for use of the device
An ideal period for the treatment of this pathology is considered the phase of active growth of both jaws. Its principle of action is to completely eliminate the pressure of the cheeks and upper lip on the dentition in underdeveloped areas, as well as to stabilize the closing of the lips, normalize the position of the tongue, their contact and functional features.
Rolf Frenkel proposed the above orthodontic appliance. Its difference from the analogues of that time was the location in the front of the oral cavity of the upper lip pelots and buccal shields. This made it possible to reliably fix the position of the language, as well as return its missing functions.
If we talk about how the type III Frenkel apparatus helps in the treatment of pathologies, it is worth noting the main indications for the purpose of wearing a similar dental design:
- abnormal position of the front teeth;
- mesio occlusion;
- shortening and narrowing of the upper row of teeth;
- retrusions of the anterior maxillary teeth;
- malocclusion in the vertical order;
- disruptions in the growth of both jaws.
What does the device look like?
The Frenkel orthodontic apparatus (patient reviews have repeatedly confirmed the effectiveness and efficiency of the device) consists of two cheek shields, which are connected by a special palatal arch. In turn, two upper labial pelota are located side by side and are joined by brackets and brackets.
In conjunction with the base structure on the upper jaw, the vestibular arch, worn on the lower incisors, is also mandatory. These specific features of the device, according to patients, produced the maximum effect, despite slight discomfort during the treatment.
Noticeable result
When operating the described product in a positive direction, not only the appearance of the jaw can change. Indeed, the closure of the upper and lower teeth, the lengthening of the upper dentition often becomes noticeable to others: an attractive smile and an even face contour become the main objects of praise and compliments.
In this case, soon the patient will begin to feel the whole therapeutic effect of using such a device, because the correct bite is a fundamental condition for a clear diction, better chewing food. By the way, research scientists were able to confirm the relationship between the quality of crushed products and diseases of the digestive, cardiovascular system.
The type III Frenkel apparatus (reviews of parents whose children underwent treatment using this technique, mostly positive) are often combined with the implementation of therapeutic exercises. In addition, to achieve a myodynamic balance in the maxillofacial zone, physiotherapist procedures and special facial muscle massage can be effective. That is, the underdeveloped parts of the jaw begin to grow more actively, and the growth of the lower jaw remains slightly inhibited.
Features of adaptation of the dentition to the device
Entering the oral cavity, the type 3 Frenkel apparatus (the photo below demonstrates this) contributes to the face shape correction noticeable to the naked eye, improving lip closure.
In fact, this regulator is designed for training sessions. He perfectly copes with the task of providing the neuromuscular functions of the maxillofacial zone, and allows the patient to adapt to new sensations in a short period of time.
Finding out what the Frenkel apparatus is, reviews from young patients and their parents will also be useful. Despite the wide age range proposed by professional doctors, users of the device believe that the most optimal age for undergoing such treatment with an orthodontist is 7-8 years. This period is considered the most suitable for the treatment of mesioocclusion. Although in modern practice there are many cases when children under 15 undergo treatment.
Usage Reviews
Most often, doctors use a two-jawed Frenkel apparatus in practice. Reviews of the device confirm a positive effect on the harmonious development of the dentofacial system. In addition, parents note that with the help of an orthodontic device, children were able to get rid of habits that significantly affected their lives: sucking a finger, laying a tongue between teeth, etc.
Patients who have tested the effect of other devices, for example, the traumatic inconvenient Angle device or vestibular plates, enthusiastically respond to the convenience of the Frenkel device, its multifunctionality. The addiction to wearing a dentition in children usually occurs quite quickly, although many young patients experience considerable difficulties at the initial stage of treatment.
The choice in favor of the Frenkel apparatus
The main recommendations for caring for the orthodontic appliance and its wearing are provided by the dentist at the appointment. The specialist will independently determine the required treatment time for this method. In many ways, the duration of the course of application of the Frenkel apparatus is determined by the individual characteristics of the child, and on average is from 1 to 1.5 years.
Often, the doctor prescribes wearing it only at night and for a couple of hours during the day. Only a qualified approach to treatment will help to find the right healthy bite.
The Frenkel apparatus helps to achieve excellent results, returning the aesthetics of the smile, eliminating bad habits and preventing the likelihood of further surgical treatment.