Sometimes, as they grow up, some children develop a narrow upper jaw. Having a narrow jaw can lead to dental problems down the road, such as bite problems or tooth decay. Palatal expanders may be able to help. Understanding narrow jaws can help your child receive the necessary care and improve the overall dental health they deserve. Continue reading to learn more about the conditions that may lead to a dental professional recommending a palatal expander as a treatment option.
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that aims to widen the upper jaw by applying steady pressure on each side of the palate. This pressure pushes the two halves apart and widens the upper jaw over time. As the palate widens, new bone regenerates and fills the empty space. Depending on the severity of the narrow jaw, treatment can take anywhere between a few weeks to a year.
Orthodontists and other dental professionals often recommend them for children and adolescents whose jaws are developing. However, an adult can also get a palatal expander to widen a narrow jaw if they could not get treatment when they were a child. Expanders can be removable or fixed in place.
There are several reasons why a patient may need a palatal expander. The following includes the most common.
One of the most common reasons for a palatal expander is to treat a crossbite. A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are located inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed. This can cause problems with biting, chewing, and speaking. It can also lead to jaw pain and headaches. A palatal expander can help to widen the upper jaw and correct the crossbite.
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. It can lead to crooked or misaligned teeth, which can cause problems with biting, chewing, and speaking. A palatal expander can help create more space in the mouth by widening the upper jaw, preventing crowding and allowing the teeth to come in properly.
Some patients may have a narrow arch, which can cause problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws. A narrow arch can also lead to breathing problems, as there may not be enough space for the tongue and airway. A palatal expander can help widen the arch, improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws and alleviating breathing problems.
Patients may have other bite problems, such as an overbite or underbite, which can lead to teeth and jaw alignment issues. A palatal expander can help to correct bite problems by widening the upper jaw and improving the alignment of the teeth.
Issues with jaw and teeth alignment can contribute to speech problems. If the upper jaw is too narrow, it can cause problems with speech, such as a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. A palatal expander can help to widen the upper jaw and improve speech.
Impacted teeth occur when teeth do not erupt properly and become stuck in the gums or bone. This can result from a lack of space in the mouth, which is treatable with a palatal expander. A palatal expander can create more space for teeth to erupt properly and prevent impaction by widening the upper jaw.
If you or your child are experiencing any of the above issues, a palatal expander may be an effective treatment option. Give our office a call today to schedule a consultation. Our team can help determine if a palatal expander is a right choice for you or your child's dental health. We can also answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Valley Ranch Orthodontics offers palatal expander treatment in the Irving area. Visit our website at https://valleyranchorthodontics.com or call our office at (972) 200-1016 to make an appointment.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
To progressively and accurately straighten teeth, Invisalign® employs cutting-edge technologies, including computer modeling and computer-assisted manufacturing. Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening option. The patient, as with any orthodontic therapy, plays an important part in the process. The quality and timeliness of your outcomes all depend on the patient's dedication to treatment instructions.The…
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Read on to learn some tips for getting the best results out of your Invisalign treatment. With Invisalign, patients can wear their aligner trays in public without worrying about their appearance. In addition, it is much easier to clean the teeth since the aligners are removable, and…
If you are considering Invisalign® treatment for teeth straightening, you will likely want details about the process. Read on to learn about what happens during and after Invisalign treatment. When you visit the orthodontist for a consultation, they will explain the specifics of what to anticipate during and after treatment. They will also discuss using…
An orthodontist spends their entire career helping people to feel confident with their smiles, so if you have searched for “orthodontist near me” and are faced with choices about whom to see, you should choose a professional who values your patronage and happiness.Orthodontists focus on how the teeth are aligned and the jaw's position and…
To progressively and accurately straighten teeth, Invisalign® employs cutting-edge technologies, including computer modeling and computer-assisted manufacturing. Read on to learn more about this teeth-straightening option. The patient, as with any orthodontic therapy, plays an important part in the process. The quality and timeliness of your outcomes all depend on the patient's dedication to treatment instructions.The…
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Read on to learn some tips for getting the best results out of your Invisalign treatment. With Invisalign, patients can wear their aligner trays in public without worrying about their appearance. In addition, it is much easier to clean the teeth since the aligners are removable, and…