Did you know that upper jaws can be expanded? This is known as palatal expansion and is used to broaden your upper jaw to create space to align your teeth. Expansion may be required when you have crowded teeth, a narrow arch, crossbite or a previous thumb-sucking habit.
This will vary from patient to patient. The amount of expansion required is determined by how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Expansion can start from seven years of age when the first adult teeth are erupting, and is possible for adults of all ages.
Palatal expanders can either be removable or fixed and are custom made for each patient based on their jaw size and tooth position.
For mild cases, where only a small amount of expanding is required, removable expanders may be suitable. These have the benefit that they can be removed for eating. A removable expander may also be suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate a rapid maxillary expander.
For mild to moderate cases, quad helix expanders are fixed and cemented onto the teeth and can be worn at the same time as your teeth are straightened. Once in place, they do not require adjustments, and typically stay in place for the duration of your orthodontic treatment.
Rapid maxillary expanders are used when a larger amount of expansion is required. In younger patients, these are cemented and a key is used to widen the jaw over two to three weeks.
In adults, the addition of mini implants known as TADs (temporary anchorage devices) ensure bone expansion. The mini implants are placed with local anaesthetic to improve comfort at the same time as the expander is fitted.
For severely narrow jaws, surgically assisted palatal expansion may be necessary, involving a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery.
Your custom-made device fits over your palate and teeth and gradually widens the upper jaw until the desired outcome is achieved. With bone expansion, once the desired width is achieved, the appliance is used to retain this while the new bone consolidates.
For more information on your treatment and how this would work, please contact Alban City Dental and Surgical Centre to arrange a consultation.
