A different alternative was proposed some years ago. The Xbow (spelled Crossbow) appliance differs from the above-proposed option in that no brackets are bonded or arch wires used. The orthodontic springs are applied to a metal framework cemented on some upper and lower teeth. Once the skeletal/dental problem is believed to have been significantly improved, fine tuning of the remaining dental problems is managed with brackets and arch wires. The theoretical advantage of such a design is that adverse effects, such as root resorption and decalcification from the long-term use of brackets and arch wires, are theoretically minimized as the brackets and arch wires have to be used for a shorter period of time.