jaw expander

Malocclusion, or "bad bite," is when the upper and lower teeth are not meeting correctly. When young, the jaw growth is a slow and gradual process. Once in a while something may go wrong with this process causing the upper and lower jaws to grow at different rates, resulting in an improper bite.
Leaving an improper bite untreated may threaten the long-term health of your teeth and gums. The jaw joint (TMJ) can also be negatively affected by a jaw misalignment. In addition, jaws of different sizes can affect appearance.
Appliances for Correcting Jaw Growth
Let me explain to you about corrective jaw treatments. We use a process called dentofacial orthopedics to correct jaw problems. The issue you have with your jaw is relatively minor, but some type of corrective measure is going to have to be taken. There are three types of appliances that we use to correct jaw growth problems: Headgear, the Herbst® appliance and the Bionator. I know, the names sound like something out of a science fiction movie, right? However, you have nothing to worry about. All of these appliances are straightforward and easy to use, and all of them will help make your upper and lower jaws more compatible. Let me explain further.
Headgear
Headgear is one of the most common orthodontic appliances. It works by applying pressure to the upper teeth and jaw. This pressure then helps guide, form, and correct upper jaw growth. It also helps align your upper teeth. Headgear is typically worn between eight and 12 hours. You might find it difficult to sleep with headgear on at first, but in no time at all, you won’t even know it’s there.
The Herbst® Appliance
The Herbst appliance is different. Unlike headgear, it can’t be removed from your mouth. The appliance is fixed to the molars. It works by holding the lower jaw forward, and this helps to create successful jaw growth and teeth positioning.
The Bionator
This is another example of a removable appliance. It enables the upper and lower jaws to grow proportionally. The Bionator holds the bottom jaw forward as well as guides the teeth. It will result in a perfectly aligned and corrected bite.

Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during the toddler years. But many are unaware of when orthodontic treatment should begin. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for an orthodontic evaluation is age seven or before, when children usually have a mixture of adult and baby teeth. Although treatment usually will not begin until one to five years after the initial evaluation, the evaluation is helpful in determining whether your child has any problems with emerging teeth — regardless of how subtle.
Children have more formidable bone structures than teenagers and adults, and as they grow, orthodontic appliances can help guide jaw growth, which may prevent the development of an overbite or under-bite, as well as tooth crowding due to space limitations. Orthodontic treatment is also helpful for guiding newly emerging adult teeth into a proper alignment, which is not only aesthetically advantageous, but also helpful in preventing tooth decay.
Why Early Evaluation?
Taking your child to the orthodontist for an evaluation means that you may be able to identify problems with the jaw and teeth early when they are still easy to treat. Early treatment often equals a more simplified treatment plan, which is beneficial to both children and their parents. Often, earlier treatment can cost less to correct a problem than delayed treatment.
If a problem is detected, our team will discuss corrective options and provide a recommended treatment schedule. Depending on your child's orthodontic needs, he or she may benefit from:

• Palatial Spacers - Helpful for correcting a crossbite by expanding the width of the upper jaw.
• Fixed Functional Appliance - Helpful for correcting severe upper tooth protrusion.
• Headgear - Helpful for guiding healthy growth of new teeth and the jaw. Headgear is removable, but usually must be worn at least ten hours per day.

If your child is approaching the age of seven, or has already surpassed his or her seventh birthday, it is time to schedule an appointment for an initial examination.

A palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars and is used to make the bottom and upper teeth fit together better. It also makes more room for teeth and helps to promote a broader, more aesthetic smile.

Palatal expansion is usually not painful, but you may feel some minor discomfort. It’ll take a little time for you to get used to your appliance, so you may experience difficulty speaking and swallowing for the first day or two.

Adjusting your appliance as directed will ensure you keep on schedule with the rest of your orthodontic treatment plan. It takes about a few weeks to achieve the desired amount of expansion, after which you’ll keep wearing your expander for about six months, giving time for the new bone to form and stabilize. Our team at will give you detailed instructions about how to adjust your appliance and can answer any questions you may have about your palatal expander.