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Your child’s NYC orthodontist has determined that palatal expansion is necessary for your child. A narrow upper jaw may interfere with the fit of upper and lower teeth. Without correction, this may affect your child’s appearance in a negative manner and may contribute to difficulties with biting, chewing and speech.
Palatal expanders essentially widen an upper jaw that’s too narrow. This is necessary when there’s a discrepancy between the width of the upper and lower jaws. A palatal expansion appliance specifically designed by an orthodontist can markedly increase the width of the upper jaw. A wider jaw allows upper and lower teeth to fit together. This permits teeth and jaws to function well and contributes to a broader, more attractive smile and facial features.
A major benefit of receiving top orthodontic treatment in childhood is that it’s possible to take full advantage of a child’s own natural growth process to treat or even prevent malocclusions (“bad bites”). A palatal expander is a device designed to help us do that. Please note: Palatal Expansion is not painful.
What is the best age for palatal expansion at The Gelb Center in NYC? Age alone is not the best predictor when a palatal expansion appliance should be used. Ideally, a patient should still be growing. An orthodontist can estimate skeletal maturation and determine whether a patient is still growing by analyzing the growth plates on a hand-wrist x-ray. Patients who have completed growth may require surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion.
If you are interested in learning more about Palatal Expansion please feel contact the best in class, top orthodontic specialist, Doctor Michael Gelb’s NYC or White Plains, New York acclaimed Gelb Center office today.
