Here are some pros and cons of orthodontic expander treatment to think about: Pros: - Shortens the time your child will need braces later on. It is recommended that you continue to wear your retainers for life! However, they may cause difficulty during eating, at first. Keep a Napkin Handy. How long do you have to wear an expander before braces. The difference between these two is that fixed expanders are glued into the mouth, while removable expanders are able to be taken out of the mouth, similar to a retainer. During this time, braces can be used to uncrowd the anterior teeth using the space achieved from the arch being expanded. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Aleve can help alleviate pain associated with the expander.
This can loosen the appliance and cause it to be swallowed or broken. Palatal expanders are a commonly used appliance in orthodontics to make room for crowded teeth, correct crossbites, increase the size of the airway and/or widen a narrow upper jaw. This gap will be closed using braces with time and will not be there permanently. The Impact of Rapid Palatal Expansion on Children's General Health: A Literature Review. Each type has its own indications, advantages and disadvantages. Here, we'll explain how it works: Orthodontic Palatal Expander. Check out our other blog post to learn when you should take your child to the orthodontist. Orthodontic expander pros and cons. However, there are some things you can do to minimize discomfort and other side effects: If an orthodontist doesn't think a palatal expander is the best choice for you, there are other options. They are just very small and not noticeable to an untrained, non-orthodontic eye. Dentists may also refer to them as orthodontic expanders. Click below to learn how you can get started with braces for as low as $79/month.
How do you turn or active an expander? When it comes to expanders, we definitely want to take advantage of growth potential to avoid surgery and get the best result we can. Once this resting period is over and the palatal expansion was a success, Phase-Two can be initiated. This can then be corrected with braces in the teen years. Different colored "ties, " which hold the archwire to the bracket, may be chosen at each appointment. A bitesplint is a custom-fit rubber mouthpiece worn on the lower teeth. Our Orthodontic Blog | The McLean Orthodontist. Take your retainers out when eating…and always put retainers in their case! If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area, you can schedule a free consultation where one of our orthodontists can evaluate your child to determine if an expander is the appropriate treatment for them.
When this small screw is turned or activated, the appliance will expand by a small amount. Please contact the office immediately if you have any questions. Before your expander is inserted, your orthodontist will explain what the procedure involves and why it is being done. Implant-Supported Expansion.
To make room for crowded teeth. Do you get an expander before braces. This is normal and when you stop turning the RPE, the teeth will start to come together again on their own. However, once the expander(say, a fixed one) has completed its purpose, part of it maybe remove to provide more comfort to the patient. When we widen the upper jaw with an expander, we gain space, which makes more room to fit all the upper teeth, hence alleviating the crowding. 9k views Reviewed >2 years ago.
In some cases which would eventually require jaw surgery, it can be avoided by proper and consistent use of the headgear. Ask your orthodontist about your dental problems and what course of treatment they recommend to address those issues. The expander connects to your top molar teeth with little metal rings called "bands". Understanding what is normal will keep you from worrying and avoid an unnecessary phone call to our office. Retainer Instructions. Expanders push against the inner edges of the palate to stimulate bone growth and gradually expand the width of the upper jaw. Relief of mild to moderate dental crowding. While they are in place, please brush well around them but don't floss as this could make them come out before we see you next. The Schwarz appliance should be cleaned every time the patient brushes his or her teeth. The teeth will normally drift back together over the next few months, and the gap will lessen or go away completely. Dentists recommend palatal expanders for people with: With malocclusion, the top and bottom teeth do not meet properly. You may also need to wear braces or clear teeth aligners after your palate expansion is complete. Transpalatal Bar / Nance / Lingual Arch. Depending on the orthodontic case and the age and tolerability of the patient, certain expander can be used at the same time as the braces are placed on.
For young children, such as might start out using expanders, braces would almost always be used next. Narrow upper jaw can cause lasting bite problems and can impact physical appearance. While the force created by the expander pushes the palate apart, at the same time there is an opposite force acting on the teeth produced by the gum tissues. Treatment costs can range from $1, 000 to several thousand, depending on the dentist, location, and insurance coverage. The gap that forms is normal and desirable – you know the expansion is working when you see the gap between your teeth! Sugarless gum is also ok to chew while the expander is in place. You can also enjoy a cool treat such as ice cream or smoothie to soothe the area. They are held in place by tubes on the upper molars and attached to the lower archwire. Children aren't always keen on the extra cleaning needed for their expander. A hyrax has a small lock in the middle of it that sits next to the roof of the mouth. This happens slowly over time, but it shocks many parents the first time they notice it is smaller or gone altogether. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests seven years-old is a great time to take your child for an initial orthodontic visit.