For anyone searching for an “orthodontist near me” and exploring orthodontic options, palatal expanders may come up as a solution during consultations, especially for younger patients. But what exactly are expanders, and what role do they play in orthodontic treatment? At Nick Romanides DMD, we believe in educating our patients about all available treatment options, including the use of expanders, to help them make informed decisions about their oral health. Let’s dive into what expanders do and how they can benefit orthodontic treatment.
Understanding Expanders
An expander, also known as a palatal expander, is a device used primarily in children and some adolescents to widen the upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth will fit together better. It’s often recommended when there is a discrepancy between the width of the upper and lower jaws (a condition known as a crossbite) or if there is crowding of the teeth.
How Expanders Work
Expanders are custom-made for each patient and fit over several top teeth in the back of the mouth. The device consists of two halves connected in the middle with a screw. By turning this screw a small amount each day with a special key, tension is created at the junction of the two palatal bones, encouraging them to gradually move apart. This widening happens at the suture in the roof of the mouth which has not yet fully developed in children and some teenagers.
The Goals of Using an Expander
- Correcting Crossbites: A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw, causing the upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth. By expanding the upper jaw, an expander helps correct this misalignment, allowing the teeth to meet in a more normal relationship and improving overall jaw function.
- Eliminating Crowding: If a child’s mouth is too small to accommodate incoming permanent teeth, an expander can create additional space in the mouth by increasing the arch’s width. This can help in avoiding the need for extractions of permanent teeth due to space issues.
- Enhancing Breathing: Narrow arches can sometimes impede airflow through the nasal passages, leading to mouth breathing, which in turn can cause a host of dental and health issues. By expanding the upper jaw, airway space is increased, potentially improving the child’s ability to breathe through the nose.
- Preparing for Further Orthodontic Treatment: In many cases, expanders are used as a preparatory step before braces. Widening the upper jaw can make subsequent orthodontic procedures less complex and more effective.
The Process of Using an Expander
The treatment typically lasts several months, during which the expander is gradually adjusted at home as instructed by your orthodontist. After the desired expansion is achieved, the device may still be worn for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Feeling of Pressure: At each adjustment, the patient may feel mild pressure or a tingling sensation across the bridge of the nose or in the area of the expander. This sensation generally fades within a few minutes.
- Speech and Eating: Initially, the expander may affect speech and make eating a bit challenging. However, these effects are temporary, and most patients adjust quickly.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial while wearing an expander. Regular brushing and rinsing with water, especially after meals, are important to keep the expander and your teeth clean.
Bring Us Your Palatal Expander Questions
If you’ve been typing “orthodontist near me” into your search bar, looking for solutions to jaw misalignment or dental crowding, an expander might be what your orthodontist suggests. At Nick Romanides DMD, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest in orthodontic technology and treatment options. Our team is here to guide you through every step of your or your child’s orthodontic journey, ensuring comfortable, effective treatment and beautiful results.
Understanding the function and benefits of expanders can help demystify one of the many tools we use to achieve optimal dental health and aesthetics. If you believe an expander might be suitable for you or your child, or if you have any more questions about other orthodontic treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Nick Romanides DMD in North Bergen. We’re here to help every smile in our community shine its brightest.
