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CALL US TODAY! 757-204-7770
CALL US TODAY! 757-204-7770
Making Room And Preventing Future Issues With Advanced Orthodontic Techniques
Palatal expansion improves the way in which the upper and lower jaws and the upper and lower teeth work. Expansion can make the final smile broader and more attractive. A wider jaw allows sufficient room for permanent upper and lower teeth to come in, and helps the teeth and jaws to function correctly. For some patients, expansion may prevent the need to extract permanent teeth because space is created for permanent teeth. Adults may also require expansion if any bite or jaw issues are present. During an examination, Dr. Glass will determine if palatal expansion is necessary.
A Palatal Expander is a common fixed orthodontic appliance that attaches to back molars and spans the upper arch. This appliance is usually spring-loaded and applies a gentle force between the molars so that the palate can expand. By expanding the palate, new space is created for emerging permanent teeth. Without expansion, and depending on the problem, permanent teeth may not have enough space to come in. Alternatively, the lower jaw could grow out of proportion, which could require corrective surgery as an adult. Left untreated, a narrow palate can lead to excessive wearing of the teeth or the need for extensive dental work as an adult.
Depending on the patient’s age and the type of correction needed, Dr. Glass will choose the most appropriate palate expander.
Ideal for a young child. Traditional palatal expanders are a common fixed orthodontic appliance normally used for children ages 7 to 12 that attaches to back molars and spans the upper arch. The appliance is spring-loaded or manually turned using a key, and applies a gentle force between the molars so that the palate can open. By opening the palate, new space is created for emerging permanent teeth.
Ideal for teens. The acrylic TAD palatal expander is a non-surgical device for adolescents ages 12 to 17 that uses a temporary anchorage device (TAD) to achieve optimal width of the upper and lower jaw. The device provides a stationary anchor from which to guide the movement of teeth. The acrylic or plastic fitting is low-profile and comfortable for patients.
Ideal for 17 to 35-year-olds. The MSE Expander is a non-surgical device for adults with a narrowed, high-angle palate, or upper and lower jaw discrepancy. This type of expansion offers additional health benefits. The results provide ample space for the tongue, reducing the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea as well as Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or TMD.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion, or SRPE, is performed when the use of palate expanders cannot provide the necessary results on their own. The doctor makes multiple small cuts in specific areas of the upper jaw to separate it into segments. With these segments made, your jaw is then in the ideal state to be adjusted and broadened with an expansion appliance.
Are you curious to learn more? Fill out our easy online form to request your complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr Timothy Glass.
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757-204-7770
200 Carmichael Way, Suite 600
Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
Monday 8:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00-5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00-5:00 pm
Friday 8:00-4:00 pm
757-204-7770
1755 City Center Boulevard, Unit B
Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909
Monday 8:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:00-5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00-5:00 pm
Friday 8:00-4:00 pm