Orthodontic care helps align your teeth and jaw, enhancing their function and improving your smile. It involves various techniques such as braces, aligners, Invisalign, retainers, and others. The orthodontic issues appear naturally and may include overcrowding, open bite, spacing, underbite, etc. Most of these orthodontic problems occur due to a narrow upper jaw. The expanders Leander specialist may recommend palatal expanders to correct your jaw and restore your oral health. Here is what you should know about expanders.
What is a rapid palatal expander?
It is an orthodontic device that rectifies bad bites by gradually increasing your upper jaw width. Usually, rapid palatal expanders are most practical when applied in childhood and before adolescence, when the upper jaw tissues are still developing and more flexible. The two bones that make up your upper jaw can easily widen, separate, and stabilize during childhood.
A rapid palatal expander treatment allows you to achieve dramatic orthodontic results, enhancing your smile appearance and bite function. The procedure is uncomplicated and bearable.
What orthodontic issues can a rapid palatal expander address?
Your provider uses a rapid palatal expander to increase your upper jaw width. It allows correct various orthodontic problems, such as:
· Crowded teeth
· Impacted teeth
· Crossbite, or a bite with a too-small upper jaw, making it hard to fit with the lower jaw.
· Narrow upper arch
Rapid palatal expanders are also beneficial in improving your smile and promoting your breathing.
How does a rapid palatal expander work?
Your provider takes the impression of your upper and lower jaw to design customized palatal expanders. This allows it to fit perfectly in your teeth and mouth. The rapid palatal expander consists of two metal halves bonded onto the last upper molars and fixed at the center with a screw.
Your provider teaches you how to turn the screw, which you should do daily at home. By moving the screw, you cause it to produce tension at the meeting point of your two palatal bones. The bones move gradually, enhancing the upper jaw width.
After your procedure, you get to have regular check-in appointments with your provider to check your progress. Usually, your jaw should widen and reach its target between two to four weeks.
Once the jaw has expanded to its target, your provider bonds the screw to stop it from turning, and you stay with the expander for a few months to enhance bone stabilization and adjustment to the new width. The complete palatal expander treatment takes three to nine months.
Is a palatal expander painful?
No, the expander is not painful. You can expect to experience some pressure after turning the expander; however, the pressure does not last for more than 5 minutes.
What measures to take when having the palatal expander?
It is advisable to avoid certain foods when you have a palatal expander, such as hard and sticky foods. Make sure to brush your expander when brushing your teeth.
Rapid palatal expanders are essential in orthodontic care. They increase space in your teeth, improve lower jaw growth patterns and remove a narrow crossbite. The treatment is easy and enhances a wider upper jaw eventually. Contact Pendleton Orthodontics to schedule your consultation.
