orthodontics Archives - New CG Orthodontics

Palate Expanders: The When, Why, Where, and How?

Ever wonder what a palate expander was? Or why they are used? Or simply wonder why your friend’s daughter needs one and yours doesn’t?

Well, did you know that orthodontics is more than just straight teeth? As orthodontists, we are specialists in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Monitoring and guiding facial and jaw growth is an important part of our practice and an effective way to treat certain malocclusions.

As you probably know, orthodontics (“ortho” – straight, “dontics” – teeth) simply means straight teeth. However, dentofacial (“dento” – teeth, “facial” – face) orthopedics (“ortho” – straight, “ped” – child) is most likely something new. Broken down, we see it is this extra specialization that allows us, the orthodontist, to recognize and re-align discrepancies in growth and development of the jaws and the resulting malocclusion (“mal” – bad, “occlusion” – bite).

This is where the palatal expander comes in: taking advantage of a unique time during which the dynamic process of growth and development can be positively influenced.

The Where and How:

The upper jaw and palate (the roof of your mouth) are actually the combination of two bones that come together and fuse in the middle called a suture. A suture is similar, but not synonymous to a growth plate. Fortunately, this fusion is not complete until a little after puberty (before age 12) and provides the perfect window of opportunity to exert influence.

The palate expander does just what the appliance indicates – increases the width of the palate. The gentle force of the expander separates the two bones of the palate where they join. The tension on the suture causes the body to grow new bone, and it is this increased palatal width that ultimately creates more room for the teeth.

The When and Why:

Orthopedic expansion of the maxilla is often indicated when the upper jaw is too narrow. The typical presentation includes a crossbite malocclusion, narrow smile, and crowding causing insufficient room for the adult teeth to erupt into proper alignment. When a tooth hasn’t come in and is potentially blocked from coming in (impacted), widening the upper jaw can allow it to erupt into its proper position on its own, preventing the need for a surgical procedure in the future.

Expanding the upper jaw has other benefits: It can broaden the smile, it can eliminate the need for adult teeth to be removed to create space for alignment, and it can also improve breathing if your child suffers from signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

Just like you wouldn’t skip a wellness check at the pediatrician, you shouldn’t skip an early trip to the orthodontist. A visit to your orthodontist will help keep your child’s oral health and development in check. And just like most things in life, dental health is more manageable if you get ahead of it today.

Timing is everything – even when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, simply means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be around age 7. Why age 7? By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws. As orthodontists, we are trained to spot subtle problems even in young children that your pediatric or family dentist may not.

Even if treatment doesn’t begin at age seven, which is often the case, early orthodontic evaluations provide a wealth of information into the alignment of a child’s jaw, and gives us, the orthodontist, the ability to evaluate your child’s development.

There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up.

(1) No treatment is expected to be necessary

(2) Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.

(3) There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

Early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The goal of early treatment is to intercept the developing problem, eliminate the cause, and provide adequate space for incoming permanent teeth.

The kinds of problems where we may recommend treating while a child still has some baby teeth include:

Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
Very crowded teeth
Excessively spaced teeth
Extra or missing teeth
Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

They key take away is some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit us today. No referral needed! Our initial consultation is at no cost and with no obligation. Just remember, timing is everything.

If you have an emergency with a protruding wire, there are a variety of ways to take care of this right from the convenience of your own home!

Poking wires always occur at the worst times. Usually right before the weekend or just as your about to leave for vacation. With these tips, you can temporarily fix the protruding wire and provide yourself with some much needed relief until you can visit us for a permanent solution.

Orthodontic Wax: This is always our first recommended solution. It is the easiest tool to create a smooth surface over the wire. Look for our previous blog post on how to properly apply wax!

Tweezers: If the wire has slipped out of the molar bracket, you may be able to use tweezers to slide the wire back into the bracket slot. Once you have bent the wire back, use orthodontic wax to keep the wire in place until you are able to visit us again.

Nail Clippers/ Wire Cutters: This option is a last resort, but a great way to provide comfort in times of need. To clip the wire, pull back your cheek, dry the area, and with the help of an adult, carefully clip the poking wire. After clipping the wire, be sure to apply wax to hold it in place.

Don’t forget, we are always here to help. You can call or text us pictures directly to our office number (267.397.3354). We can answer any questions and guide you through these steps!

Yardley

Richboro

Palate Expanders: The Richboro, Yardley, and Newtown Guide

When is early orthodontic treatment needed? And why?

Fixing a Pokey Orthodontic Wire

Yardley

Richboro

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