Uncategorized

Palatal expanders are needed in patients who have a crossbite of the front or back teeth. Normally, the top jaw and teeth are wider than the bottom jaw and teeth. A crossbite occurs when the bottom jaw or teeth stick out wider than the top jaw or teeth. Additionally, palatal expanders are beneficial for those who have narrow jaws, crowding, chronic nasal obstruction, snoring, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, chronic mouth breathing or airway concerns. The quality of the palatal expansion is best if performed earlier in life, such as age 7, but I have expanded 4 year olds with underbites. Underbites only worsen with growth and often cause speech problems. Of primary importance is the parents' commitment to seeking to learn the root cause(s) of their child's chronic nasal obstruction or sleep disordered breathing from medical specialists such an ENTs and allergists. This is important because successful palatal expansion may eventually narrow or collapse due failure to eliminate the root cause(s) of the narrow muscular envelope of motion. Palatal expansion is really a secondary solution that does not address the primary cause, which can be allergies, enlarged tonsils and adenoids, deviated septum, enlarged nasal turbinates, et cetera. Patients, parents, and athletes who are determined to create the widest possible airway with the most airflow to improve performance may opt for a MARPE expander using TADS implants into the jawbone to provide a higher quality of expansion of the base of the jaw bone. Dr. Joe is committed to reviewing your options. Schedule today for a free initial evaluation.