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Freedom-Lock Appliance System

What is Freedom-Lock
Insertion
Ligation Technique (Optional)
Extra Retention
Insertion Tips
Bite opening issues
Procedure for adding a larger screw

 

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

 Before Freedom Lock  After Freedom Lock
Freedom Lock - before treatment 1 Freedom Lock - after treatment 1
Freedom Lock - before treatment 2 Freedom Lock - after treatment 2
Quick & Easy Insertion
Freedom Lock Quick and Easy Insertion image

• 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
Freedom Lock Removal and re-insertion image

• 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
Freedom Lock Hygeine & Cost Savings image

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

Freedom Lock Hinge Mechanism image

• 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
Freedom Lock Mechanism image

• 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

Freedom Lock Insertion image 1

Insert the “Hinge mechanism” into the buccal tube.

Freedom Lock Insertion image 2

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

Freedom Lock Insertion image 3

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

Ligation Technique (Optional)

Freedom Lock Ligation Technique image 1

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.

Freedom Lock Ligation Technique image 2

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

Freedom Lock Ligation Technique image 3

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

Extra Retention

Freedom Lock Extra Retention image 1

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

Freedom Lock Extra Retention image 2

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

Insertion Tips

• Do not tell the patient the appliance is removable.

• If the appliance fits a little loose at insertion, turn screw 4 turns.

• Make sure the distal end of the locking mechanism is in contact with the distal-buccal area of the molar band.(see photo in step 3 of the ligation technique)

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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