Hyrax Expander
The Hyrax is either a removable or bonded appliance used to expand the upper jaw to avoid crowding or cross bites from occurring. Bonded Hyrax appliances are more commonly used with younger patients who still have their baby molars, while the Banded (removable) Hyrax is used with patients who have their permanent molars.
The Hyrax appliance widens the upper jaw one-fourth millimeter per turn, taking about six weeks to get the total amount of width desired. After this six week period, we will use plastic to stabilize the Hyrax for up to three months at which point a retainer will be used to maintain the jaws new position.
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