What are palate expanders?
Ortho Haus Orthodontics, conveniently located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is committed to providing comprehensive orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages. Palate expanders, also known as rapid maxillary expanders or orthodontic expanders, are appliances commonly used in orthodontic treatment to correct crossbites in children. Crossbites occur when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed, rather than outside or just slightly overlapping them as they should. Palate expanders aim to widen the upper jaw, correcting this misalignment when patients are still growing.
How it helps
Palatal Expansion
If your child’s upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth, your child has a crossbite. Palate expanders increase the size of the palate (roof of the mouth) which then widens the jaw and allows the top teeth to sit outside of the lower teeth.
Correction of Dental Issues
Palatal expansion is effective in addressing a variety of dental and orthodontic issues commonly found in children, as a result of habits like thumb-sucking or natural development. These issues include crowded teeth, crossbites, narrow dental arches, and malocclusions (bite problems). By expanding the upper jaw at an early age, we can reduce the need for more complex treatment at a later age.
Improved Breathing and Airway Function
In some cases, palatal expansion can also help improve breathing and airway function. A narrow upper jaw can lead to issues such as mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. By widening the upper jaw, early expansion orthodontics can alleviate these problems and promote better overall respiratory health.
Facilitated Permanent Tooth Eruption
Palatal expansion can facilitate the proper eruption of permanent teeth. When the upper jaw is expanded at an early age, it ensures that there is adequate space for permanent teeth to come in without overcrowding or misalignment. This can reduce the need for future orthodontic interventions.
Timing of Treatment
In children, the bones of the upper jaw are not fully fused, making them more malleable and responsive to orthodontic treatment. Palate expanders take advantage of this developmental stage to encourage proper growth of the upper jaw, which can prevent more complex orthodontic problems later in life. Palatal expansion is typically recommended between the ages of 7-10 before the upper jaw bones are fully fused.
Palate Expanders, Richmond Hill, Ontario
OUR TREATMENTS
Correct teeth and jaw issues for children.
What are the benefits?
Timely Problem Correction
In children, the bones of the upper jaw are not fully fused, making them more malleable and responsive to orthodontic treatment. Palate expanders take advantage of this developmental stage to encourage proper growth of the upper jaw, which can prevent more complex orthodontic problems later in life. Palatal expansion is typically recommended between the ages of 7-10 before the upper jaw bones are fully fused. Identifying and addressing these issues at a young age can prevent them from becoming more severe and challenging to treat in the future.
Customized Treatment
Early expansion orthodontic treatment plans are highly customized to suit the unique needs of each child. Our experienced orthodontists at Ortho Haus Orthodontics in Richmond Hill, Ontario, assess your child's oral health and design a personalized treatment plan to ensure the best possible results.
Improved Dental Alignment
One of the primary benefits of early expansion orthodontics is improved dental alignment. When the upper jaw is expanded at an early age, palate expanders help create more space for crowded teeth to erupt which can lead to a more harmonious bite and alignment.
Reduced Treatment Complexity
Addressing dental and orthodontic issues at an early age with palatal expansion can often lead to reduced treatment complexity in the long run. By guiding the development of the upper jaw and addressing alignment issues early, treatment can be more efficient and less invasive.
Improved Breathing and Airway Function
In cases where breathing and airway function are compromised due to a narrow upper jaw, early expansion orthodontics can lead to improved respiratory health. Widening the upper jaw can alleviate issues such as mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea, promoting better overall well-being.
Expert Care at Ortho Haus Orthodontics
At Ortho Haus Orthodontics in Richmond Hill, Ontario, we are committed to providing expert care and exceptional results with early expansion orthodontics. Our experienced orthodontists have a deep understanding of childhood dental development and the importance of early intervention. We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
Early expansion orthodontics offered at Ortho Haus Orthodontics in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a proactive approach to addressing dental and orthodontic issues in children. With its timely problem correction, customized treatment plans, and numerous other benefits, early expansion orthodontics provides a valuable opportunity for children to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, and a confident future. If you believe your child may benefit from early expansion orthodontic treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how early expansion orthodontics can set them on the path to a lifetime of oral health and confidence.
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