A palatal expander is an orthodontic tool used to prevent, correct or reduce the effect of a wide range of jaw and teeth developmental problems, facilitating the growth of teeth. What the palatal expander does is that it gently expands the roof of the upper jaw and the mouth. It is important to note that timing is extremely important when it comes to palatal expanders, as it is specially designed to make changes during the years of jaw and teeth development.
What are palatal expanders?
What conditions may require an expander?
If you, or a loved one, are dealing with any of the following problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Laheeb Quddusi at Devon Neighbourhood Dental for treatment using a palatal expander:
- You experience teeth crowding: Teeth crowding is a dental condition where your teeth do not have enough space to grow due to the lack of space in your jaw. This results in the eruption of adult teeth in incorrect positions. Using a palatal expander can help fix this problem, and can help patients avoid teeth extraction.
- You have impacted teeth: When a patient experiences teeth crowding, he or she may also experience blockage of teeth which have yet to grow since there is lack of space in the jaw. A palatal expander can help you avoid or correct such an issue.
- You have posterior crossbite: Posterior crossbite is a condition where the patient’s upper teeth grow too close to the back of the lower teeth. The patient then has a narrow palate, where the lower teeth are “bitten” or touched by the back part of the upper teeth. By using a palatal expander, patients can correct this dental issue.
- You suffer from breathing problems: In some cases, people who have a high palate have a narrow arc, which in turn, blocks the air passages. This makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. However, with a palatal expander, this can be corrected.
Who is a good candidate for an expander?
Palatal expanders are most commonly used as a treatment for children. A child’s teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth between the ages of 6 and 13. In some cases, the jaw is not big enough to accommodate the full set of adult teeth. This can result in misalignment and crowding. An upper or lower jaw expander can make the necessary room for the permanent teeth.
Devon Neighbourhood Dental
Dr. Laheeb Quddusi, at Devon Neighbourhood Dental, will first perform a full evaluation to determine your overall orthodontic needs and whether an upper or lower jaw expander will be the best treatment option. If you would like to find out more about palatal expanders or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
