It’s all in the name! Expanders create more space in your mouth by expanding or widening your palate to correct cross bite, relieve dental crowding, widen your smile arc and improve nasal airflow.
Orthodontic expanders, also known as palatal expanders or simply expanders, are dental appliances used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) or the arch of your teeth. They are primarily used to correct issues related to the misalignments of the teeth and jaw including dental crowding, crossbites, speech issues, breathing difficulties and sleep apnea.
Expansion can be achieved by either of the following:
This puts gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made.
The RME helps to widen the narrow upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth fit together better.
This puts gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made.
The RME helps to widen the narrow upper jaw so that the upper and lower teeth fit together better.
To ensure a truly personalised treatment plan, we will initially collect your individual records and cater your treatments accordingly, which include; photos, X-rays and a dental impression.
For a customised 3D treatment plan, we will use these records, along with your prescribed treatments to create an individual plan just for you.
The customised expanders are made based on your facial profile, individual records, x-rays & dental impression. They are then manufactured and fitted by our specialist orthodontist.
We may recommend wearing a retainer to maintain the expansion until the upper jaw expansion has stabilised. This will be based on your assessment, monitoring and part of your aftercare plan.
To ensure you receive the best aftercare and check the development of the jaw, we will wish for you to visit us every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and advise you on the next steps after the treatment and expansion removal.
After the desired expansion is achieved, the expander is left within your mouth for a few months to stabilise the expansion and allow new bone to form within the gap. Expanders are worn for approximately 6-9 months but this may vary on individual circumstances.
Dr. Rajiv Ahuja worked as a dentist for over 10 years where he gained experience in all aspects of dentistry. He completed Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) and subsequently three-year full time specialist training in Orthodontics. His knowledge of orthodontics and close attention to detail allows him to offer the finest and most comprehensive treatments that include self ligating brackets, lingual appliances, Invisalign, temporary anchorage devices, combined orthodontic work for full mouth restoration, and implant placement.
Our specialist orthodontist is a certified Invisalign provider.
Featuring 3D Intraoral Scans and 3D X-Rays.
We offer a range of flexible, interest-free payment plans.
We're a family owned practice for over 35 years.
We also offer family and full-payment discounts.
All our treatments are tailored to suit your needs.
Fox Orthodontics is a family run practice that was established over 30 years ago. We are conveniently located in Baulkham Hills.
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Some soreness and feeling of pressure are completely normal after activating the expander. Whilst getting accustomed to your expander you may find that eating, and speaking feels different, which is completely expected whilst you adjust and acclimatise. It is also common to see gaps develop between the front teeth. These are all completely typical and show the expander is having the desired effect.
The short answer is yes. Whilst an expander is often placed before braces, it is possible to have both at the same time.
Correcting jaw discrepancy and teeth alignment at the same time can save the total treatment time, please ask us about braces and any questions you may have regarding this and check out our braces options, including our Invisalign page.
An expander is a metal framework with an enclosed screw in the middle and is generally cemented to 2-4 upper teeth. Although there are slight variations in design which could assist in the correction of underbite and helping with the correction of impacted teeth.
Palate expander treatment is recommended if there are upper and lower size discrepancies, which can cause bite problems and impact facial asymmetries. The earlier the treatment, the better the more predictable the outcome.
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