Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are a common appliance in orthodontics. While a child is still young, the bones are soft enough to allow the appliance to expand the palate. This allows for the correction of crossbites which lead to jaw asymmetries while also creating more space for erupting permanent teeth. Expanders require manual turning using a key for a prescribed number of total turns as indicated by the doctor. Full instructions on turning and care of your expander will be provided!
Traditionally, orthodontic appliances—such as palatal expanders—have been made using pre-fabricated and generic orthodontic bands. The process has historically been quite time consuming and painful. Unfortunately, many offices still use this antiquated process today.
The good news is that digital scanning and 3D printing has allowed for the creation of custom expanders without separators. The process is much easier today for our patients taking less time than ever before!
WITH SEPARATORS
Appointment 1: Separator band placement
Little elastics that are wedged in between the teeth to create room to fit bands.
Appointment 2: Goopy impressions
Need we say anything more?
Appointment 3: Appliance placement
The separators are removed and the appliance is placed.
SEPARATOR-LESS
Appointment 1: Appliance placement
Because you were scanned at your consultation, the custom appliance can be fabricated and inserted without any additional appointments.
EXPANDER WITH THUMB CRIB
If your child has a thumb sucking habit that has not responded well to primary therapies, we can place a palatal expander with a thumb crib. Thumb sucking tends to constrict an upper jaw, making it more narrow so almost every case benefits from palatal expansion to restore normalcy. The crib prevents the thumb from resting on the palate and acts as a reminder to stop thumb sucking. We also use this appliance in situations where there is a forward tongue thrust and retrain the tongue to stay in the correct position.
SPACE MAINTAINERS
If a baby tooth is lost early, a space maintainer may be recommended. Space maintainers are usually anchored on the permanent first molars and prevent them from moving forward, which would otherwise result in less room for the future permanent teeth. Two common space maintainers are called a Nance Appliance and Lower Lingual Holding Arch. These are passive low-maintenance appliances and they generally stay in place for a few years.
PROTRACTION FACEMASK
Also known as Reverse Pull Headgear, these cases typically have deficient upper jaw growth resulting in an underbite that is best treated early, around age 7 or 8. Treatment usually involves a palatal expander followed by a protraction facemask. Early treatment of an underbite can help avoid invasive surgeries later on in life. The appliance is activated by affixing elastics from the protraction facemask to hooks on the expander. Approximately 12 to 16 hours of wear per day, while at home and sleeping, is recommended.
PARTIAL BRACES
Occasionally, we may need to use a limited number of braces just to fix an isolated concern. Partial braces helps create space or gives access and a pathway for other erupting adult teeth. This would prevent adult teeth from becoming impacted, damaging adjacent roots, or requiring surgical exposures in the future. Partial braces are usually placed after an expander to consolidate all the space that has been created and move the teeth into the new room so there is more space for the erupting teeth.
Ready for some
If you have been wanting your bespoke, dream smile, our team at Walt Orthodontics is happy to help you achieve that. Book your complimentary consultation!
