Forsus Class II Corrector: What to Expect and How to Care for It

A class II corrector, often called a Forsus appliance, helps line up the upper and lower teeth so the bite fits together. Here is what to expect and how to care for it.

What Is a Class II Corrector (Forsus)?

It is a fixed appliance that works on the upper and lower teeth at the same time. It gently pulls the top teeth back and pushes the bottom teeth forward so your bite matches up. Treatment with the corrector usually takes 4 to 8 months.

What Do Forsus Springs Feel Like?

Expect some discomfort for the first two weeks, and chewing will feel awkward at first. To help during the adjustment period:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• At night, place cotton rolls between your cheeks and the springs to cushion the area while you sleep.
• Take Tylenol or Advil if needed.
• Eat softer foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, mac and cheese, pasta, soup, yogurt and eggs.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid sticky foods like gum and lollipops, which can stick to the appliance and damage or loosen it. Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice. Take care with bagels, pizza, apples and pears, and cut them into small pieces first.

Keeping It Clean

Brush carefully around the springs after meals, and carry a toothbrush for after lunch if you can. Clean springs look shiny. If plaque is left on the appliance it looks dull and can cause sores inside the mouth.

What If the Spring Comes Apart?

This can happen, most often when the rod slides out of the spring while opening very wide, such as during a yawn. Don’t panic. Look in a mirror, open wide, use your fingers to compress the spring and slide the rod back in. If it happens often, tell us at your next visit. If you can’t re-engage the spring or something is broken, secure it to the archwire with dental floss and call our office. Breakage is uncommon; a replacement fee applies.