Palatal Expansion
While braces are often the most common image associated with orthodontics, there are several other issues that need to be addressed which may be more relatable to your situation. Overcrowding of your and your child’s teeth is not always due to their adjacent teeth or jaw issues, but there could be overcrowding due to a lower palate from your upper jaw, which can also restrict tongue access.
Dr. Jamie Goodreau and Dr. Ashtyn Goodreau of Chalfont, PA is proud to serve the local community with holistic oral care solutions that are right for every unique situation.
What is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal Expansion is a therapy and procedure conducted to solve certain issues associated with the teeth, jaw, and use of your mouth. A palate expander is a device that is used to perform palatal expansion, which moves both halves of your jawbone apart to achieve more room within the mouth. This can be done to either return the mouth to a more normal range of motion that is consistent with a healthy bite, or to accommodate irregularly grown teeth that may have been impacted.
Why Do I Need Palate Expanders?
Palate expanders are most often found in children, so early treatment such as phase one and phase two appointments for teens and younger ones are important. With this being said, palate expanders can also be fitted for adolescents and adults in order to prevent much more problematic and expensive issues. If you feel that you may be experiencing overcrowding or bite issues, Dr. Jamie Goodreau and Dr. Ashtyn Goodreaucan swiftly diagnose and treat the issue.
Crowded, Overlapping, and Impacted Teeth
A palate expander not only increases the room in your mouth but also widens the jaw. This increases the room available for teeth to fit together, which corrects both overcrowding and bite issues. A palate expander can also be used in conjunction with other orthodontic devices, such as braces, to correctly treat misaligned teeth after the fact.
Misaligned Bites
While braces may be used to straighten rows of teeth, the size of your jaw has a direct impact on how your upper and lower teeth fit together. By widening the jaw and increasing the space available in your mouth, you may find that you have a more normalized environment for chewing and biting.
Difficulty or Painful Chewing
Palate expanders help your jaw and teeth have more room to chew, fixing tenderness, restive access, or even pain. They are often installed as early as possible to prevent more difficult and invasive procedures later on in life.
Your Local Quality Orthodontist
A narrow palate is easily identified through regular appointments, or if you have daily concerns about your jaw or bite issues. Never put off anything that concerns the health and safety of you and your loved ones. During your appointment with the professional at Dr. Jamie Goodreau and Dr. Ashtyn Goodreau of Chalfont, PA you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that your family deserves.
