Palatal Expanders
You may have questions about how we determine whether a patient may require a jaw expansion, or a dental expansion to push the teeth into a more optimal position. In this video, dedicated Buffalo orthodontist Dr. Andrew J. Dusel discusses the differences between expanding the jaw and expanding the teeth using palatal expanders, and how we identify which treatment would be best for you.
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- In diagnosing a new case, we measure x-rays. These x-rays include a view from the front. This in turn enables us to measure the relative widths of the two jaws as they relate to each other and to the head.
- We measure the width of the patient’s jaws relative to their head size. If they are skeletally narrow, we know we need to widen the upper jaw skeletally.
- We recognize this when we see that the patient has a posterior cross bite. If a patient’s upper jaw is biting on the inside of the lower, they likely need a skeletal expander.
- We always measure on the x-ray to clearly determine how narrow that patient is and how much expansion is needed. If they’re not skeletally narrow, but densely – meaning that the teeth look as if they tip in toward the roof of the mouth or toward the tongue, we use a dental expander to push the teeth into a better position.
- If teeth are crowded, we first try to create space by using a palatal expander, and straighten those teeth with braces later.
Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer braces for all ages throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, East Aurora, and Niagara Falls New York. If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, please contact one of our 7 convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation.
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