
Palatal Expanders
Reasons for this Orthodontic Treatment:
- Corrects a crossbite. The upper teeth should close around the outside of the lower teeth. In a patient with a narrow palate, it can be the other way around with the upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth. This results in asymmetrical growth of the lower jaw, which can cause facial asymmetry if it isn't corrected in time.
- Provides other benefits for the jaw. Expanding the upper jaw can broaden the smile in an aesthetically pleasing way. This orthodontic treatment can limit the number of teeth that need to be removed to create space. It may also shorten overall orthodontic treatment time later on (the amount of time your child will need to wear braces).
Care
Dental hygiene is always important; that doesn't change during upper jaw expansion. While kids wear their palatal expanders, it's necessary to clean the appliance carefully each time they brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste. Kids and young adolescents can also rinse with anti-bacterial products to provide the teeth with the strength of fluoride, which increases tooth strength and prevents decay from forming.
Contact Your Orthodontist Now!
We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists at our Eldridge or Bettendorf, IA office in order to find out what type of orthodontic treatment and appliances may be right for your child. You can schedule an appointment online now!