Has your orthodontist been prescribing an expander before braces to your child? You may be wondering why that is. Expanders are important in establishing the perfect base for braces and a healthier and straighter smile.
Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew at Silver Lake Orthodontics, your trusted Orthodontist in Silver Lake, specialize in individualized treatment plans incorporating expanders to initiate a successful braces treatment.
What Is a Palatal Expander?
A palatal expander is a set of orthodontic appliances that opens the upper jaw slowly. It functions through gentle palatal pressure, which makes room for crowded or crooked teeth.
There are three common types:
- Bonded Palatal Expander – Permanently fixed using dental cement.
- Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) – Fixed to the upper molars by a screw that is adjusted daily to rapid extension.
- Removable Palatal Expander – Can be removed for meals and cleaning, and can work more slowly over several months.
Expanders work best with children and young teens, usually under the age of 16, when jawbones are growing and soft.
Why Are Expanders Needed Before Braces?
Braces are most effective when teeth have sufficient space to come into an acceptable position. In the absence of an expander, crammed teeth or a narrow jaw may cause complications such as extractions, bite problems, or unstable outcomes.
This is why expanders may be suggested:
- Corrects Crossbites – A narrow upper jaw can cause lower teeth to bite outside the upper teeth. An expander aligns the jaws properly.
- Relieves Crowding – Makes space to move teeth.
- Helps Impacted Teeth Erupt – Spreads the jaw to scuff stationary teeth (such as canines) into position.
- Improves Facial Symmetry – Promotes a more harmonious smile through balanced jaw growth.
Expanders accelerate the treatment process, facilitating and rendering treatment with braces more efficient because they can promptly and easily eliminate these problems.
What to Expect During Expander Treatment
Obtaining an expander is easy but needs a bit of adaptation.
In short:
- Custom Fitting – The orthodontist makes an impression of the mouth or even a computer scan to create the ideal expander.
- Gentle Adjustments – In the case of RPEs, this is done by turning the screw a little every day with a miniature key and slowly opening the jaw.
- Temporary Discomfort – There is normally mild pressure or soreness after adjustments, but it resolves fast.
- Retention Phase – The appliance remains on after the expansion, and in a few months, new bone develops to support the outcomes.
Speech and eating may seem strange initially, but in this period, most children will be able to adjust in just a week.
Caring for an Expander
The expander should be kept clean in terms of comfort and hygiene.
It is not complicated to maintain:
- Clean the expander, the screws, and the wires by brushing it.
- Avoid sticky or hard food that may break the appliance.
- Brush after every meal or rinse with water.
Final word
Silver Lake Orthodontics Orthodontist in Silver Lake, helps young patients get off on the right foot; early care leads to easier, better results. Book an appointment!