Freedom-Lock System

See Freedom-Lock Article by Dr. David Sanders,DDS

Freedom-Lock is a system that can be integrated into multiple types of appliances. It is a design advancement that delivers a rigid and secure appliance for the patient, but provides the clinical advantage of a quick and easy removal or reinsertion at any time during treatment.
Accutech is at the leading edge of this technology!
Any type of screw that would be used for a fixed RPE can be used with the Freedom-Lock system

• RPE w/acrylic pads (Pictured)
• Super-screw™
• Mini screw
• Standard RPE screw
• HAAS expander
• Ex-spider

Insertion
Ligation Technique (Optional)
Extra Retention
Insertion Tips
Bite opening issues
Procedure for adding a larger screw

      Before Freedom Lock                    After Freedom Lock

                Before                                          After

Quick & Easy Insertion

• Delivery is simple! After the bands are cemented, the RPE snaps right in. It appears to be a traditional RPE, But Look Closely. It is not soldered to the bands at all

• The Freedom-Lock RPE delivers superior expansion - it pushes from the lingual and pulls from the buccal, simultaneously

Removal and Re-insertion Advantages

• The appliance comes out and the bands stay on the teeth, therefore adjustments can be made easily, out of the mouth

• Add springs, clasps, etc. as needed

• Add a larger screw with no relapse or new bands

• Relieve sore spots before they’re a problem

Hygiene & Cost Savings

Hygiene is greatly improved because the RPE can be completely removed at each appointment for a thorough teeth and appliance cleaning

• Reduce chair time and band usage- once expansion is complete, appliance is removed and bands stay in for continued treatment

Hinge Mechanism

• Fills the buccal tube with a snug fit but slides in and out easily

• Locks in by design

• Has a gentle curve that crosses the occlusal surface

Freedom-Lock Mechanism

• The custom designed “flat” locking clasp is paramount to the retention of this appliance system

• It’s design delivers a snap tight lock for insertion and easy release flexibility for quick and clean removal

 

Insertion

Insert the “Hinge mechanism” into the buccal tube.

Bring the appliance up into the palate until the “Locking mechanism” contacts the opposite buccal tube.

Pull it over the buccal tube until it locks in between the headgear tube & the arch wire tube.

 

Ligation Technique (Optional)

1. Wrap the ligature wire around the distal end of the buccal tube on the side of the appliance that doesn’t slide in the headgear tube.

2. Hook the ligature wire over the hook (gingival portion of tube) and under the occlusal portion of the buccal tube

3. Twist ligature and cut. Wrap pig tail back over buccal tube.
 

 

Extra Retention

Request anterior ball clasps when filling out the Freedom-Lock prescription.
 

Place the Freedom-Lock RPE in the mouth and add a small bump of composite just below the anterior tip of the lingual arms.

 

Bite Opening Issues

Three ways to look at the fact that this system does cross the occulsal on both sides, thus opening the bite:
1. An anterior bite plate can be added if desired.
2. The distal margin of the primary molar, mesial to the banded molar can be disc from buccal to lingual to allow the cross over wires to lay passively.
3. Leave as is, since the bite is being altered anyway.

 

Procedure for Adding a Larger Screw

When current screw is at its maximum opening & more expansion is needed.
1. Remove the Freedom-Lock RPE.
2. Take an impression, making sure there is a clear and defined duplication of the buccal brackets.
3. Replace the Freedom-Lock RPE and do not activate any further. It is now a holding device while a new appliance is being made.
4. Send Accutech the impression or cast for another Freedom-Lock RPE.

No lost expansion and no new bands need be seated.

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