Jaw expansion for healthy, non-extraction orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a service that Drs Terry Rose and Meenakshi Rajcoomer have been providing at Smile In Style for many decades. They have completed significant orthodontic training through Progressive Orthodontic Seminars (POS) and other Clear Aligner providers. In addition to clear aligner therapy and fixed braces, Dr Meenakshi has completed further training in early orthodontic intervention and treats children as young as 6 with advanced treatments, such as jaw expansion.
What is jaw expansion treatment?
This treatment is designed to expand a narrow jaw. It may be done with a special orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander or expansion plate. This appliance is applied to the upper jaw and can be adjusted gradually over time to increase the width of the jaw. Mandibular or lower jaw expanders may also be used.
Why would my child need treatment?
Sometimes, a child’s upper jaw may grow much slower than their lower jaw. Additionally, childhood behaviours such as persistent thumb-sucking can lead to narrowing of the upper jaw. Discrepancies between the size of the upper and lower jaw can lead to misaligned teeth and lasting bite problems. It can affect the appearance of the face and impair how your child breathes when they sleep. So, early treatment is essential and advised before the bone junctions around the upper jaw completely fuse and calcify. The most common ages for treatment are between 8 and 15 years of age. In fact, if your child has a narrow mouth by age 7, it’s a good indicator of crowding, as 95% of the cranial base has grown by this stage. Unfortunately, this is not a problem that they will simply grow out of.
What can we expect from treatment?
All treatments start with taking thorough orthodontic records. We take photos of your child’s face and mouth, intraoral scans, digital X-rays, and measurements to understand their stage of growth and spacing/expansion needs. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss our findings and review treatment options. If an expansion appliance is recommended, then your child may also choose the colours for their appliance prior to placing the order. It usually takes around two weeks for our orthodontic laboratory to make your child’s appliance. In most cases, to correct crowding and avoid the need for extractions later in life, one upper and one lower expander is needed. Treatment can be completed in around 9 to 12 months. Due to the connection between a narrow palate and nasal breathing, we may also work with your child’s ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Is the expansion process painful?
Expansion is a slow, controlled process. We increase the size of the jaw, little by little, at a rate of just .5 millimetres per week. Your child may experience mild pressure or discomfort, especially at first, but this can be well-controlled with pain relief and timed expansions that allow the jaw bones to move at a more gradual pace.
Are some foods off-limits during treatment?
As with all appliances, softer foods may be recommended to help with the adjustment period. It’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods until the tenderness subsides. These foods may also get lodged in the appliances. In general, many children are able to enjoy all their usual and favourite foods without problems.
What are the benefits of treatment?
The width of your child’s jaw can affect their breathing, overall comfort and health. By widening the jaw, we can open the airways and avoid serious complications such as sleep apnoea. Expanders also promote improved physical posture, healthy nasal breathing, and reduce the need for extractions before orthodontic treatment.
Can the use of expansion devices replace braces?
It depends. This treatment allows for Drs Rose or Dr Rajcoomer to increase the size of the jaw to a certain degree and control the positioning of the teeth; however, expanders are not as precise as braces. While some children’ s teeth may sit in a naturally pleasing position, others may need further treatment with braces to get straighter teeth.
Why should I choose Smile in Style?
In addition to our POS training in advanced orthodontic treatments, Dr. Rajcoomer takes a special and personal interest in expansion treatments and related procedures. In the past decade, she started to suffer from jaw pain, TMJ symptoms, and sleep apnoea – rooted in the extraction of four of her teeth as a child to make way for orthodontic treatment. She fiercely advocates early intervention and non-extraction orthodontics, so her patients do not face similar health challenges later in life. If you are concerned about how your child’s mouth may be developing, call our rooms in Moonee Ponds (03 8400 4104) or Sunbury, VIC (03 8001 6021) today.
