About Orthodontic Expanders in Nolensville
Finding out your child needs a palatal expander naturally leads to a lot of questions. The first one being, “What exactly is a palatal expander?”
A palatal expander is an appliance that slowly widens the upper jaw to ensure the back teeth fit together properly. However, Dr. McClaran will determine during her evaluation if your child would benefit from an expander and explain it in more detail.
Palatal Expanders Explained
In essence, a palatal expander is an oral device employed by Dr. McClaran to help with the growth of your child's upper jaw. While the primary usage period usually falls during pre-adolescence, its benefits extend to teenagers and even adults.
Should your child present a crossbite or an unusually narrow upper jaw, we might recommend a palatal expander as a corrective measure.
How Do Palatal Expanders Work?
McClaran Orthodontics, each expander is tailor-made for every child. These devices work gently by incrementally widening the developing upper jaw, achieved by applying gentle pressure on the upper molars during each adjustment.
The recommended routine from Dr. McClaran usually involves turning the expander twice daily for approximately two weeks, ensuring both comfort and optimal outcomes for your child.
Following the attainment of the desired expansion, consistent usage of the expander over several months becomes necessary to uphold the accomplished results and prevent regression.
Adjusting Your Child's Palatal Expanders
Adjusting your child's expander might seem a bit odd at first, but we're here to address any questions you may have. To aid you in the process, here's a straightforward guide to follow:
- Step 1: Locate a well-lit space and gently tilt your child's head backward.
- Step 2: Insert the key (the adjustment tool's tip) into the small central hole of the expander. Ensure its proper placement before proceeding.
- Step 3: Push the key toward the rear of your child's mouth. As you do this, you'll notice the expander rotating, revealing a new hole. The rotation halts upon the key's contact with the back of the expander.
- Step 4: Press back and downward towards your child's tongue to remove the key. The next hole for key insertion should now be visible, completing the process.
Let's Get Started!
Here at McClaran Orthodontics, we offer everything your family needs for an incredible smile. For some children, that means a palatal expander.
Consultations are always free, and If you have any questions about your child’s treatment or making adjustments, contact our office — we’ll be happy to help!