A palatal expander is often used in orthodontics, and it is a great way to achieve better alignment between the bottom teeth and upper teeth. Many orthodontists recommend it for children before a teeth straightening procedure.
It is helpful to know what exactly a palatal expander is and what to expect during the process before beginning treatment. The following is a complete overview of the purpose of a palatal expander and what to expect during treatment.
A palatal expander is a device commonly used in orthodontics to widen the upper jaw of a patient. It is a non-invasive form of treatment, typically provided to younger patients whose jaw is easy to expand. Maxillary expansion is most often used to adjust a bite complication, such as a crossbite. It may also be used to address tooth crowding and impacted teeth as well. The main purpose of palatal expander treatment is to achieve an even position of the upper and lower teeth while the mouth is closed.
A common misconception is that palatal expanders are somehow painful or invasive in any manner, which could not be farther from the truth. The way it works is simple: the jaw is gradually moved to a wider position. The device attaches to several teeth on each side of the back of the mouth. Essentially, the palatal expander is two separate parts that conjoin in the middle. The device is continually adjusted until the upper jaw reaches an ideal position, and the palatal expander is left in for several weeks after to ensure the position stabilizes. The entire process takes between three to six months in most instances.
There are many cosmetic and oral health benefits associated with a palatal expander. To fully understand the benefits, it is important to understand the purpose and end result, which is to widen the upper jaw and achieve a better bite position overall. A wider upper jaw allows for more room for teeth to shift, which makes teeth straightening through braces and clear aligners more effective. It is often a solution for crossbite as well, which makes many look better, function more effective while eating and have improved oral health.
There are many reasons why an orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander to their patient. These include to address crossbite and other bite complications, tooth crowding, crooked teeth and impacted teeth. Quite simply, if a child does not have enough room in their mouth for teeth to naturally come through or shift to a straight position, a palatal expander might be beneficial. When used in orthodontics, a palatal expander is most ideal for younger children, and an orthodontist may recommend it before teeth straightening.
If you are interested in learning more about how a palatal expander work, reach out to your orthodontist’s office today. Your orthodontist can explain the entire process. Schedule a time to come in for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drsallysong.com or call The Orthodontic Center Of Wayne - Dr. Sally Song at (973) 696-5220 for an appointment in our Wayne office.
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