Many patients exhibit a V-shaped or Gothic arch form as a result of an abnormal habit or airway problem during development. When this occurs, the arch may only be narrow in the anterior region. Therefore, use of an expansion appliance that expands equally in the posterior and anterior region would be contra-indicated. The Fixed Fan Screw appliance can produce up to 9mm of lateral arch development, confining the majority of movement to the anterior/cuspid region.

It is typically soldered to bands placed on the first permanent molars and the first bicuspids. Some practitioners prefer to band just the molars. When this is done, it is recommended that the anterior portion of the appliance be secured by placing bonding material over a wire rest.