| 摘要 |
The present invention relates to a palatal expansion device that has a screw having an activator (e.g., one or more activation arms) wherein the screw connects two blocks, each block having an opening for receiving the screw; a stabilizer attached to the blocks; and an anti-wind-back mechanism (e.g., a spring extension) positioned opposite the activation mechanism. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a palatal expansion device that has at least one screw, wherein the screw connects with one or more blocks and the blocks have an opening for receiving the screw. The device further includes one or more stabilizers attached to the blocks; a ratchet that engages the screw; and a built-in activator that communicates with the ratchet. This design allows essentially unidirectional rotation of the screw. The ratchet system includes, in one aspect, a pin/pocket arrangement, or a ratchet wheel/spring arrangement. The present invention involves kits and methods for expanding the maxillary arch or mandible using the palatal expansion devices of the present invention.
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