The different models

The new APF have innovative shapes and designs to cater for different dental pathologies.

Square expander:

This has two special features: the anterior lingual bar is very thick and extends across the whole lateral portion. The thickness allows for important expansion work on the upper and lower arches. Moreover, this thickness provides a very effective tongue rest in the anterior portion and laterally. It is the ideal appliance both during treatment and to finalise treatment.

Curved expander:

To be used for transverse expansion when the mandible is curved, before moving on to the square expander.

Curved retropulsion device: APF for class III

This appliance acts on the causes of
this type of pathology: maxillary hypo-development, with poor nasal ventilation and the tongue in low posture. Technically, the maxillary portion is much wider than the mandibular portion, both anteroposteriorly and transversally.
The parting line of the appliance is much thicker posteriorly with a maxillary ramp to stimulate prosliding.
The lower labial bar is wider for better correction of the axis of the incisors which tend to project forward (resulting from atypical swallowing).

Curved propulsion device: APF for class II

The parting line, at the mandible, presents a ramp to stimulate prosliding of the mandible.
The tongue rest, by re-educating the tongue posture toward the roof of the mouth, favours this forward movement of the mandible.

Square conformer: APF for class I cases , ideal for the end of treatment.

In certain cases, in adults, this is preferable for use at the start of treatment (when the mandible is naturally square) as it is more flexible and adaptable than the square expander.

Curved conformer:

Same indications as for the square conformer, but to be used when the mandible is curved, before moving on to the square APF.

These appliances all share the following features:

  • a tongue rest to guide the tongue into a high posture
  • upper and lower labial bars which perfectly encompass the jaws and, by suppressing negative forces, re-educate the muscles of the cheeks and lips.