The CODA is an expansion appliance designed to widen the width of the arch in order to create space in which to align the teeth.

It is manufactured from steel wire, a yellow elgiloy wire and a soft esther acrylic. The CODA is designed to sit behind the teeth and be “invisible” at the front of the mouth.

The upper CODA is designed so that it does not cover over the palate with a thick layer of material. This assists the patient in regaining normal speech patterns in a much faster timescale than with a traditional appliance.

It must be worn at all times to ensure maximum results of the Clearstep treatment. The patient should only take it out during cleaning, and eating if they are unable to tolerate the appliance at this time.

When replacing your CODA after cleaning, you must first place it in warm water for
approximately two minutes. This will cause the acrylic to soften, making it easier to place back into the mouth. Once the CODA is in the mouth the acrylic will return to its normal state and the CODA will become active once again.

The CODA is worn for 8 – 10 weeks, in accordance with the treatment plan generally prior to the clear positioner phase.

CODA requires the fitting of small composite ridges to the inside of one or two front teeth which it clips under. These stop the CODA from popping up at the front of the mouth. The practitioner will fit these at the start of CODA treatment and remove them when it is complete.

On occasion wearing a CODA also requires the placement of composite overlays on two of the molar teeth. This helps to aid the movement as it interrupts the way in which the patient bites together. These are placed temporarily and removed at the end of the CODA phase if they are not required for the clear positioner treatment.