DeLuke Contoured Expander

1. Impression
At the initial visit, an alginate impression is taken.

2. Placement
A non-etch, no-isolation-required, cementation technique allows for moist field placement in 3 minutes.

3. Removal
Flexible cementation caps gently lift off buccal surfaces. The DeLuke Contoured Expander (DCE) is removed with effort similar to removing braces.

A Faster, Simpler, more Comfortable Alternative to Conventional Expanders
Previous “acrylic bonded” expander installation involved tedious and uncomfortable isolation, etching and sealing steps for anchor teeth. During treatment the gingiva would typically become unacceptably inflamed, and removal of this type of expander was extremely painful.

The DeLuke Contoured Expander installs in minutes, requires no teeth preparation, and can be installed in all patients – even those with short, tapering clinical crowns. Root parallel sutural expansion is optimized because of the maximum anchorage achieved from the “cementation caps.” The DCE is comfortable to wear and allows for maintenance of healthy gingiva throughout treatment. The DCE’s bandless design eliminates the need for a band inventory.

DeLuke Contoured Expander

• • Correct Anatomical Contour
    leaves patients less susceptible to decay while maintaining healthy gingiva.
   
  • Uniform thickness of Cementation
    caps minimally alters patient’s occlusion.
   
  • Full Enamel Coverage
    (100% surface area retention) provides maximum torque control and root parallel expansion, facilitating true orthopedic sutural expansion.
   
  • Multiple Expander Options
    can be incorporated with various size palatal screws, including “V” and spring types.

Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can the DCE be inserted?
An assistant can cement the DCE on patients in less than five minutes.

What kind of adhesive-sealant systems can be used?
A variety of adhesives have been tested. The cementation reliability and simplicity of the DCE techniques has been found to be dependent on the use of Fuji Ortho Selfcure modified glass ionomer cement.

How is the DCE removed?
An assistant can simply and easily remove the DCE using #ODG-426 Hamilton Acrylic Debonding Plier.

Is the DCE comfortable for patients?
Uniform thickness cementation caps minimally alter the occlusion. Patients appreciate having no separators or band fitting. The three-minute insertion with no prior preparation of teeth is particularly comfortable.

Are patients more susceptible to decay?
The DCE reduces susceptibility to decay compared with any other expander design. The modified glass ionomer cement seals the enamel 100%, so teeth are completely protected.

Is gingival inflammation a problem?
The anatomical contour allows for ideal plaque removal. With proper brushing and daily mouthwash the gingival remains healthy and normal.