Upper Jaw Expanders
Palate expanders, also known as orthodotic expanders, stretch the bone and cartilage of the upper jaw to correct common orthodontic issues like crowding and crossbites. Successful palatal expansion treatment is usually done before a child’s growth plate or midpalatal suture fuses – up until the age of 16.
An upper jaw expander can have a significant impact on the width of the upper jaw, which can guide the upper and lower teeth properly fit against each other. A narrow upper jaw can interfere with the function of the teeth, and further affect your child’s appearance, smile, biting, chewing, and speech. For interceptive orthodontics patients (young children and adults), an upper jaw expander may prevent the need for permanent teeth extraction due to crowded teeth.
Orthodontic expanders are traditionally attached to the molars with metal rings, but they can be removable. Expansion screws are built into the appliance, and when activated, slowly separate and stretch the soft cartilage of the palate over the course of several weeks or months.
Until the expander feels natural, serve foods that don’t require a lot of chewing, such as ice cream, pudding, or mashed potatoes. Encourage your child to stay away from sticky foods and candy that may get stuck against their orthodontic appliances.
We had a very positive experience at Omar Orthodontics. The office is beautiful and welcoming. Dr. Anisa Omar and the team are fantastic. Special thanks to Nikki, who explained the full treatment plan and costs in great detail, making everything clear and transparent. Everyone was friendly and professional. Highly recommended!
Great experience for my two kids. The staff was friendly, patient, and made them feel comfortable right away. The dentist was gentle and explained everything clearly. The office was clean and very kid-friendly. Highly recommend for families.
We love this office! The front office is always super friendly and the staff in the back is so fun. They are very kind to my daughter and very accommodating to my younger children that often have to come with us. They are always timely and it’s truly an enjoyable experience every time we come. Dr. Omar and her staff are very knowledgeable and doing a fantastic job with her teeth. Orthodontic work can be unenjoyable but they’ve made this a truly positive experience.