Broadening Horizons for a Better Smile
At Lindbergh Orthodontics, located in the friendly community of Florissant, MO, we specialize not only in perfecting smiles but also in optimizing oral health and function. A critical tool in our orthodontic arsenal is the use of palatal expanders. Under the skilled care of Dr. Held, our practice provides personalized expander treatments to correct a variety of dental issues, paving the way for beautiful, healthy smiles.
Understanding Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are used to create more space in a child’s mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. They are most commonly used to address crossbite, crowding, and impacted teeth. Expanders create more space in the upper jaw by taking advantage of the fact that the upper jaw actually develops as two separate halves that don’t completely fuse together until sometime after puberty. Before that happens, the two bones can gently be separated and stabilized over a period of several months.
When is an Expander Needed?
Dr. Held may recommend a palatal expander for several reasons:
- Crossbite Correction: If the upper jaw is too narrow, it can cause a crossbite, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower ones. Expansion gently widens the upper jaw, allowing for a proper bite alignment.
- Crowding: In cases where the jaw isn’t wide enough for the teeth, an expander can create space, potentially avoiding the need for extractions.
- Impacted Teeth: Expanders can help in cases where teeth may be blocked from erupting by other teeth.
