Commonly used in early orthodontic treatment and orthodontics for teens, palatal expanders are orthodontic appliances designed to widen the upper jaw to allow for proper alignment between the top and bottom teeth.
Dr. Albert is highly-experienced in creating personalized treatment plans for growing smiles! If your child requires a palate expander, we'll give you all of the information you need to support your little one through the process.
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How does a palatal expander work?
This appliance uses small metal bands, positioned around the upper molars, with a screw piece that sits in the center of the roof of the mouth.
You’ll insert a special key into the center screw and rotate the key backwards, toward your throat. This is considered one full turn. Activating the expander will trigger it to exert gentle outward pressure on the upper teeth.
What does a palatal expander do?
Over time, these tiny turns will expand the upper jaw to the desired width. This process creates enough space in the mouth for a healthy set of permanent teeth to grow without crowding or overlapping.
Did you know..…
Sometimes, expanders can subtly change a person's voice by altering the shape of their oral cavity.
Take the first step.
The Benefits Of Expanders
Improved Oral Function
Expanders can significantly improve oral functions such as chewing and speaking. When the upper and lower jaws don't align properly, it can interfere with these basic functions. By widening the upper jaw, expanders can correct these issues, making eating and speaking easier and more comfortable.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance
A well-aligned smile is beautiful. Expanders can help achieve a balanced smile by creating space for crowded teeth and correcting crossbites. This not only improves the appearance of the smile but can also enhance facial symmetry, contributing to an overall pleasing aesthetic appearance.
Prevention Of Future Dental Issues
By addressing jaw misalignment and overcrowding at an early age, expanders can prevent a host of future dental issues. This includes reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which are more common in crowded or misaligned teeth. Furthermore, early intervention can often prevent the need for more invasive and costly orthodontic treatments in the future.
The Expanders Treatment Process
Consultation And Customization
The first step in the expander treatment process is visiting us for a complimentary consultation! Your Simi Valley children's orthodontist, Dr. Albert, will examine your little one's smile to determine whether a palatal expander is the most efficient treatment route.
If so, we'll create your child's personalized treatment plan, explain the process in full detail and ensure that you and your child are comfortable and informed, and take a smile scan to create their custom appliance with our state-of-the-art 3D printer.
Custom Expander Fitting
Once their custom expander is ready, you'll come back and see us for the fitting.
Dr. Albert will carefully attach the device to your child's upper molars. We'll show you how to insert the key and turn the activation screw to gradually widen the expander.
The expansion process can sound a bit intimidating, but you can rest assured that plenty of people have undergone successful, painless expansion.
When you turn the key, your child may experience a slight tingling around the bridge of their nose. This feeling goes away in a few minutes and should not be painful.
Progress Check-ins
After the expander is fitted, you'll visit us regularly for Dr. Albert to check the progress of the expansion and make any necessary adjustments to the device.
Tracking their smile progress is a crucial step in ensuring that treatment is progressing as planned, and that your child is comfortable with the device.
From your first visit to your last visit, you'll see your personal orthodontist, Dr. Albert. We're here to explain every step of the process and guide you through a personalized, seamless experience.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
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