Orthodontic expanders in Oviedo & Lake Nona, FL
Sometimes, a child’s jaw and palate need a little extra assistance to grow correctly. To help jaws grow symmetrically, and allow more room for adult teeth, Dr. Lach might recommend an orthodontic expander.
What are
orthodontic expanders?
An orthodontic expander, also known as a palatal expander, is an appliance that gently widens your child’s jaw and palate to make room for their current and incoming teeth. Expanders are not painful, and most children adjust to wearing them very quickly.
When are orthodontic
expanders necessary?
Dr. Lach will examine your child’s mouth and jaw thoroughly to determine if expanders are best of their smile. He often chooses to use expanders if there is a crossbite or other asymmetry that could become worse overtime and require more invasive procedures to correct.
Dr. Lach might also recommend orthodontic expanders if your child’s mouth is experiencing crowing and they need more space for their permanent teeth. In these cases, using an expander can prevent the need for extraction of adult teeth.
Benefits of orthodontic expanders
Orthodontic expanders have numerous benefits, including:
- Improving breathing and chewing
- Creating room for incoming adult teeth
- Lessening the need for future tooth removal
- Improving tooth and jaw alignment
- Making brushing and flossing more effective
- Potentially shortening the time your child spends in braces
Why early orthodontic treatment matters
You don’t need to wait until all your child’s teeth have grown in to start orthodontic treatment. That’s because early orthodontic treatment is more about reshaping the jaws than it is about moving individual teeth.
Expander use is particularly formative and important for younger children. Young jaws are more malleable, and it’s easiest to guide the shape of their growing smiles at this age.
In fact, catching orthodontic issues when children are young helps us to intercept and address them before they worsen. This can save you time and money on more extensive treatments in your child’s teenage years.
How long will my child
have to wear an expander?
Typically, children wear orthodontic expanders for up to six months, but the length of time your child wears them will depend on their unique treatment plan. During your child’s consultation with Dr. Lach, he’ll provide you with an accurate estimate of the treatment duration.
Set your child’s smile
up for success
Book a free consultation with Dr. Lach in Lake Nona or Oviedo to learn more about expanders and other orthodontic treatments we have on offer.