Experienced Orthodontists Providing Jaw Expansion Without Surgery in Buffalo, NY
If you have noticed misalignment, overcrowding, breathing issues or other malocclusions with your child’s teeth, you may be concerned and looking for options to help correct the issue. Jaw expansion, also known as maxilla expansion or palatal expansion can be the solution to your child’s issues. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we can discuss options with you and your child to correct the alignment issues with jaw expansion without the need for surgery.
Studies conducted at University of Pennsylvania show that patients with a width discrepancy larger than 7 mm between either jaw have a 75% probability of having middle-aged periodontal disease. So it is important to treat any skeletal discrepancy or narrowness in the jaws as soon as possible.
When we diagnose a case of malocclusion, we measure x-rays, one of which is a view from the front of the jaw. We measure the widths of the upper jaw and the lower jaw as they relate to each other and as they relate to the head size. We measure the width of the patient’s jaws relative to that individual’s head size. Then, if we see that they’re skeletally narrow, we know that we need to use jaw expansion to widen the upper jaw skeletally.
One of the ways we’ll recognize this by looking clinically is that the patient will have what’s called a posterior crossbite. If a patient’s upper jaw is biting on the inside of the lower, we’ll know by looking at them that they’re likely to need a skeletal expander. If your jaw is too narrow, it can block your airway and make it difficult to breath through your nose. Jaw expansion, also known as palatal expansion is designed to enlarge the maxillary dental arch, and re-establish symmetry and balance between the upper and lower jaws. This will improve the bite and function of your jaw, and allow you to breath easier through your nose.
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How Do We Determine How Much Jaw Expansion Is Needed?
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we always make sure to measure on the x-ray as well to clearly determine how narrow that patient is and how much expansion we need. If we notice that they’re not skeletally narrow, but densely – meaning that the teeth look as if they’re kind of tipped in toward the roof of the mouth or toward the tongue, we will use a dental expander to push the teeth into a better position.
If there’s crowding, we often try to create space by using an expander first, and then make those teeth straight with braces later.
It’s important to identify and address these issues as early as possible because these types of conditions will not just fix themselves over time. It can also lead to bigger issues down the line if not properly addressed.
Schedule A Free Consultation For Your Child Today!
If you are worried about your child’s smile and have questions about whether jaw expansion can help, please contact our experienced Buffalo orthodontists for a free screening and see if jaw expansion is right for your child.
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer braces for all ages in Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, New York. If you have questions about jaw expansion without the need for surgery, please contact us today to arrange your free Orthodontists Associates of WNY consultation.
At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, our reputation as a leader in orthodontic care is based on one thing… Making a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
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