Palatal expanders are a very common orthodontic procedure. They are useful for individuals of all ages who want to help align their top or bottom teeth to make sure that they have the right bite every time.
Do I need braces if I have a Palate Expander?
Braces Expander
Braces can be an important part of maintaining your overall oral health regardless of your age. If you’re looking for a North Miami Beach dentist for braces and you are concerned that your teeth may not be aligned properly, you can rest at ease because not every tooth misalignment needs traditional metal braces or orthodontic surgery.
There are far less invasive forms of orthodontic treatment for people who already have permanent teeth. One of these methods which is useful for adults who already have their permanent teeth is the orthodontic treatment known as a palate expander for adults, sometimes called expander braces.
Does palate expansion work in adults?
Palate expanders or braces expander is most often used in children and because of that, a misnomer has grown up that they are only effective in kids and not individuals who already have their permanent teeth. This could not be further from the truth as the fact of the matter is that although the treatment is highly effective in children, adults can still benefit from a palatal expansion, although the treatment time may take a little bit longer.
In kids, the material that makes up the jawbones is still a less dense matrix when compared to how it is in an adult. Once the material hardens, the braces expander can still work, but it is not as quick.
This being said, many adults have benefited from a palatal expansion as it can help correct a variety of tooth ailments that may be affecting adults who do not get the treatment in childhood.
A palate expander works by gently pushing the teeth away from each other, reducing crowding, and helping bring the bite into proper alignment.
What is the best age to get a palatal expander?
The best age to get a palatal expander is widely considered to be between 5 and 16 years old. This is because for several reasons such as:
The bones and jaws of young people are still forming making them easier to shift
Having the work done early can stave off any problems later in life that may result from a misshapen palate
The treatment time will often be faster as kids adapt to the treatment easier than adults later in life
Your North Miami Beach dentist for braces will help guide you in getting the right treatment plan for your teen or tween.
How long do I need a palatal expander?
This is one of the huge benefits of palatal expander if your orthodontic treatment calls for it and that is that the expansion takes place quickly over the course of 1 to 3 weeks generally speaking. However, the palatal expander will remain in place for 6 months or so to make sure that new bone growth has been set so your orthodontic treatment does not reverse. This is especially true for adults who have jaw bone material that is harder compared to children.
Palate expander cost
This is one of the more affordable orthodontic treatments especially when with such positive long-term benefits. The palate expander cost will generally be anywhere between $2,000 to $3,000. This may seem like a lot but not as much when considering that misaligned bites on teeth can lead to cavities, tooth grinding, increased chances of tooth decay in your permanent teeth, and more serious orthodontic problems. Having a palatal expander over the course of your life ends up being significant cost savings due to the issues it can help prevent.
Bottom teeth expander
For some individuals, it is not only the top teeth that need expanding but also the bottom teeth. However, a bottom teeth extender does work slightly differently than the top teeth expander braces do. While the expander works by shifting cartilage in the upper jaw area to help move things into place, a bottom teeth expander will shift things by moving the teeth directly as there is no cartilage for it to utilize. However, the results will end up being the same and that is a significantly straighter bite which can make eating more comfortable and help protect your long-term oral health.
When your teeth are properly aligned, you gain a number of benefits. These include:
- Fewer headaches because of reduced tension in your jaws
- Better wear on the teeth enamel
- Improved speech patterns because you are now able to better form words
- Improved self-confidence thanks to your smile looking better
Dental expander
In the end, getting a dental expander is something you need to decide for yourself in consultation with your local orthodontic office. Even if you are an adult and fear that it is already too late for you to benefit from expander braces, a free consultation with your orthodontic office can help set your mind to ease. You see, the truth of the matter is that it is never too late to begin the process of maintaining your oral health, and having a straighter smile will not only help you feel good and look good but can also help protect against other long-term orthodontic care issues. It will be worth your while to contact your North Miami Beach dentist for braces to protect your permanent teeth and enjoy a relaxed smile.
Contact Us
IVANOV Orthodontic Experts, 12866 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=154326063970645489
Call us at (786) 540-1919 to schedule a free orthodontic exam.
