In cases where you need to move a tooth labially and you choose not to use a recurved finger spring or a micro-screw, the use of a mini-screw is an excellent alternative. Because they are easy for the patient to adjust, some doctors use them in situations when the patient cannot readily return to their office on the recommended bi-weekly basis. These screws add a modest amount of bulk to the anterior portion of the appliance, creating an anterior bite plane. This usually supplies enough occlusal clearance to jump the cross-bite.

Once the crossbite is jumped, it is necessary to switch to a final retainer. This stabilizes the correction while the occlusion settles into place. Note: If the patient has a skeletal open-bite tendency, adding posterior coverage to this design is appropriate in the interest of preventing any unwanted vertical changes.