Marco Rossa appliance

Narrowing of the upper jaw in a child can lead to crowding of teeth, lack of space for the eruption of permanent teeth, crossbite, and disruption of the harmonious development of the dentofacial system. In such cases, the orthodontist may recommend a non-removable Marco Rossa appliance, which gradually expands the upper jaw and creates conditions for the proper formation of the bite.

At the dentistry of «Oxford Medical», treatment with orthodontic appliances is carried out by experienced dentist-orthodontists who work according to modern clinical recommendations. To find out whether a child needs a Marco Rossa appliance and whether it will be the optimal method of correction, book a consultation with an orthodontist at a convenient time for you.

The Marco Rossa orthodontic appliance is a non-removable structure for the gradual expansion of the upper jaw in children. It is fixed on the teeth and has a special screw that is activated according to an individual scheme. Thanks to this, the width of the dental arch increases and conditions are created for the proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Because of its specific shape, the structure is also called a butterfly for jaw expansion. Its lateral elements are located on both sides of the palate, and the central part is responsible for the controlled expansion of the upper jaw.

The Marco Rossa appliance is made individually for the child and is fixed in the oral cavity for the period of treatment. Unlike removable plates, the structure works constantly, which in some cases makes it possible to achieve the necessary result more quickly.

The Marco Rossa system works on the principle of gradual expansion of the upper jaw. The main element of the structure is a screw located in the central part of the structure. During activation, the screw gradually increases the distance between the elements of the structure. Thanks to this, the appliance creates controlled pressure on the upper jaw and the dental arch. As a result, more space appears for permanent teeth, crowding decreases, and better conditions are created for proper closure of the teeth.

In some cases, an orthodontic appliance is the first stage of treatment. It helps expand the upper jaw and create space for teeth. After completion of this stage, the doctor may recommend a braces system or another method of orthodontic correction for the final alignment of the teeth.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend contacting an orthodontist if a child’s teeth erupt too densely, the upper jaw looks narrowed, there is crossbite closure of the teeth, or there is a noticeable lack of space in the dental arch. Early examination helps determine in time whether correction is needed.

Before placing the Marco Rossa plate, the pediatric orthodontist must check the condition of the child’s teeth, gums, and bite. If necessary, sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out before the start of orthodontic treatment.

Contraindications:

• acute inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
• untreated caries and its complications;
• gum diseases that require preliminary treatment;
• unsatisfactory oral hygiene;
• mobility of teeth that should serve as support for the structure;
• individual features of the structure of the dentofacial system, in which it is more appropriate to use another method of orthodontic correction.

Before placing the plate, treatment of caries, gum diseases, or professional teeth cleaning for children may be needed. After eliminating the detected problems, orthodontic treatment can usually be carried out.

To plan treatment, a pediatric orthodontist assesses not only the position of the teeth, but also the features of jaw development. Therefore, before placement of the system, the following may be prescribed:

• orthopantomogram (OPG) — a panoramic image of the teeth;
• teleradiography (TRG) — an X-ray image of the jaws and facial profile;
• computed tomography (CT) — a layered 3D examination of the maxillofacial area.

Based on the examination results, the orthodontist plans treatment and determines the parameters of the future structure.

The main stages of treatment include:

• performing diagnostics and planning treatment;
• manufacturing the appliance according to individual parameters;
• fixing the structure on the teeth;
• teaching parents the rules for activating the screw;
• control examinations and assessment of correction results.

After placement of the system, the orthodontist explains to the parents the procedure for activating the structure and schedules control visits. During such examinations, the doctor assesses the dynamics of upper jaw expansion, controls the work of the appliance, and, if necessary, adjusts the further treatment plan.

With the help of the Marco Rossa appliance, in most cases it is possible to:

• increase the width of the upper jaw;
• create additional space for the eruption of permanent teeth;
• reduce or eliminate crowding of teeth associated with narrowing of the jaw;
• correct crossbite;
• create conditions for the proper development of the dentofacial system.

The best results are usually achieved in children aged 6–12 years, when the upper jaw is still actively growing and responds well to orthodontic correction.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» explain: the Marco Rossa appliance does not align all teeth at once. Its main task is to expand the upper jaw when it is narrowed. If after this it is necessary to additionally correct the position of the teeth, the doctor may recommend the next stage of orthodontic treatment, for example, with braces.

After placement of the plate, the child needs time to get used to it.

In the first days, the following may appear:

• a feeling of pressure in the upper jaw;
• increased salivation;
• minor discomfort while chewing;
• changes in pronunciation.

Usually, these manifestations gradually decrease within several days.

During the adaptation period, it is advisable to give the child soft food and avoid products that may damage the structure: nuts, crackers, hard candies, toffees, chewing gums.

If the structure rubs the mucous membrane, causes pronounced pain, interferes with eating, or the child complains of severe discomfort after activation of the screw, it is necessary to contact an orthodontist. The doctor will check the position of the structure and, if necessary, adjust it.

The Marco Rossa appliance requires thorough daily hygiene, since food residues and dental plaque may accumulate around the screw, rings, and supporting elements. If they are not removed, the risk of gum inflammation, unpleasant breath odor, and the development of caries increases.

During treatment, it is important to:

• brush the teeth in the morning and evening, paying special attention to the areas around the structure;
• rinse the mouth thoroughly with water after each meal;
• use interdental brushes or an oral irrigator if they were recommended by the orthodontist;
• avoid sticky and very hard foods that may damage the structure;
• not touch the screw with the hands and not try to independently change the position of the system elements.

It is advisable for parents to control the quality of tooth brushing, especially in younger children. If plaque, redness of the gums, or an unpleasant odor appears near the appliance, it is worth contacting a doctor without waiting for the scheduled examination.

You can first familiarize yourself with what the prices are for the Marco Rossa appliance here. To receive individual recommendations and accurate information about the cost of treatment, it is worth booking a consultation with an orthodontist. The doctor will conduct an examination, assess the characteristics of the bite, and determine the optimal strategy for orthodontic correction. You can book an appointment at a convenient time for you through the contact center or by using the online booking form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• American Association of Orthodontists
• US National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health