Partial 2x4 fixed appliance is a modern orthodontic appliance for younger childeren. It is usually bonded in a mixed dentition - when some milk teeth are still present.
That kind of appliance consists of 2 long tubes bonded on back teeth (usually first molars) and four brackets on front teeth (permanent incisors). All these brackets are fixed with one archwire for a proper dental arch shape. During the treatment several ortho accesories play a great role: coil springs, metal ligation, elastic chains or other tiny elements.
The 2x4 appliance can be applied to a number of deformieties in a relatively short time (6-8months). Spacing and diastemas, minor rotations, reclined or proclined teeth, anterior crossbites may be corrected. It offers an opportunity to regain space for permanent teeth - in case of premature milk tooth loss the space for premanent tooth might be closed by neighbouring growing teeth. What is more the 2x4 appliance may stand for a firm construction to guide an impacted tooth to the dental arch.
The 2x4 partial fixed appliance is a therapeutic solution applied in the early orthodontic treatment. It aims to correct the position of the front teeth (aesthetic role) or correct more complex malocclusion, which requires two-stage orthodontic intervention. It often helps to prevent further complications of the children's bite.
Generally, this appliance allows you to effectively correct the alignment of teeth through the control of three dimensional tooth movement. Removable appliances do not provide such a possibility.
In my practice I usually combine this appliance with Hyrax and different types of expanders.
The hygiene control should be closely monitored by parents - check my other posts about hygiene with fixed appliances.