Forsus Springs vs. rubber bands is two different orthodontic philosophies. One orthodontic philosophy believes that the only way to fix an overjet (class II occlusion) is with orthognathic surgery or by retracting the upper anterior teeth. Rubber bands are used to retract the upper incisor teeth to match the lower incisor teeth. The problem with this philosophy is that since the lower jaw is the problem, you are pulling upper front teeth back to match lower front teeth that are in the wrong place. In other words, you are straightening teeth by moving upper front teeth to match lower front teeth that are in the wrong place to start. In the end you get nice straight teeth but you still have a lower jaw that is in the wrong place relative to the upper jaw. This results in a week chin, an unattractive facial profile, a potentially compromised airway and TMJ, reduced upper lip support, a nose that will look bigger, and a long, narrow face. The Forsus Springs philosophy of orthodontic treatment says that a much better way to treat Class II occlusion is to bring the lower jaw forward. This can still be done with orthgnathic surgery or it can be done much less invasive and less expensively using a simple set of springs. Instead of Forsus Springs there are also removable appliances that can be worn to advance the lower jaw forward. This orthodontic philosophy says that straight teeth are NOT the only objective of sound orthodontic treatment. It is much more important that facial aesthetics are not compromised and that airway and TMJ health are preserved or enhanced. Good luck!
