Designed by Dr. Rick Gallaher, the Rick-A-Nator is ideal for treating patients who are non-compliant or have difficulty wearing removable functional appliances. It can be used to effectively treat skeletal Class II malocclusions with normal maxillas, retrognathic mandibles, and deep overbites (where the AP correction needed is 4mm or less). The Rick-A-Nator consists of a maxillary anterior inclined plane, placed on a lingual wire that is attached to molar bands. The arch wire can be soldered to the bands or attached with vertical brackets -- to facillitate easy removed for cleaning. The incline is made to hold the mandible in the exact AP position desired, but if the overjet is greater than 4mm, it can be stepped forward in segments as treatment progresses. Ideally, cases presenting with Division 2 anteriors should be pre-treated,. However, when patient compliance is a problem, lap springs can be added to correct the retroclined incisors as the mandible is being translated. As with the Spahl Appliance, vertical elastics can be used to reduce treatment time when the patient has an excessively closed vertical relationship. Note: The incline incisal ramp must be partially tooth-born and tissue-born -- to provide proper support without causing sensitivity to the teeth or the soft tissues. This appliance can be fabricated with a flat plane so that the inclined portion can be generated chair side or ( if a construction bite is provided), the lab will complete the appliance in every detail.

ADVANTAGES OF THE RICK-A-NATOR (OVER REMOVABLE FUCTIONAL APPROACHES):

• Patient compliance is not an issue

• Esthetically, the appliance is virtually undetectable

• It can be worn during active straight wire therapy

• Impact on speech is minimal

• Treatment is reduced (can be worn 24 hours per day)

• It can be used as a TMJ appliance (provides for mandibular advancement and vertical opening)