When it comes to seeking advice from orthodontics, braces and Invisalign in South Ft Meyers both are effective orthodontic treatments. However, when the anatomy of the teeth and gums, these appliances cannot do the job on their own. When a patient comes to us and he has a small or narrow upper jaw, an appliance called a rapid palatal expander is needed for skeletal correction. This device is given to the patient either before or during comprehensive treatment.
There are many ways to expand an adult’s upper jaw, a rapid palatal expander is used in kids and teens who are still growing. The device is effective because their skeleton is still developing and flexible, guiding jaw growth is much easier. If your child or teen is suggested to wear palatal expander before taking up Invisalign in Naples, here is what you should know about these expanders.
Rapid Palatal Expander – Know What is it?
An RPE (rapid palatal expander) is a common orthodontic appliance and this appliance is used during the first phase of orthodontic treatment. Though there are removal palatal expanders, there are fixed expanders as well that remains in the mouth until the objective of placing them in the mouth is achieved. They are preference for younger patients.
The bone of the upper jaw is called maxilla. Maxilla is made up of two pieces that do not fuse together until the mid-teenage years. A palatal expander is placed to put gentle pressure on the maxilla to separate the pieces and widen the palate.
Using this expander will help make room for all of the permanent teeth to fit properly and all the discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw to create an ideal bite.
How does an orthodontic expander work?
Your orthodontist will secure the device around the back teeth and it has two halves fitting against the roof of the mouth. These halves are joined in the middle with the help of screws.
Your child can activate the expander by placing a key in the screw and turning it. With each turn, gentle pressure is created on the midline suture. It is the place where the two maxillary bones meet and the molars. The pressure pushes the maxillary bones apart and widens the jaw of your child.
When your child’s jaw is expanded up to a desired level, the appliance will stay in place for several months so that a new bone can form between the halves of the maxilla and the expansion becomes permanent. As we mentioned above, an expander will be used during early orthodontic treatment before a child gets all of the permanent teeth in the mouth.
So, palatal expanders are good before taking up Invisalign in Naples for your child.
Jose Arroyo is author of this article and writes since long time. For further details about Invisalign in Naples please visit the website.
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