Maxillary Expansion: A Key Step in Orthodontic Treatment for Narrow Upper Jaw

songkhunmorjudfun
Aug 19
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

A narrow upper jaw can lead to issues like overcrowded teeth, crossbites, and even breathing difficulties. Today, we'll introduce you to maxillary expansion (or palatal expansion), a key step in orthodontic treatment used to solve these issues.

What Is Maxillary Expansion?

Maxillary expansion is an orthodontic procedure focused on widening the upper jaw to create proper space for teeth to align properly and to help correct facial structure problems. It uses a palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw so that it develops into a forward position to align with the lower jaw.

5 Reasons Why Maxillary Expansion Is Needed: Benefits You May Not Know

The main goal of maxillary expansion is to correct problems caused by a narrow upper jaw. These benefits include:

Correcting Tooth Crowding: Expansion creates space for proper teeth alignment, which not only gives you a more aesthetic smile but also reduces the risk of jaw pain and TMJ disorders.
Fixing a Crossbite: This procedure repositions upper teeth that sit incorrectly inside the lower teeth, ensuring a proper bite.
Improving Chewing Ability: When your teeth align correctly, your ability to chew food is enhanced.
Assisting with Breathing: By expanding the upper jaw, the nasal passages are also widened. This can aid nasal breathing, reduce mouth breathing, and even help alleviate sleep-disordered breathing.
Improving Facial Structure: Proper maxillary expansion can help create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing facial structure, improving your overall appearance.

When Is the Best Time for Maxillary Expansion?

Maxillary expansion can be performed at any age, but the process and results can vary depending on the patient.

Children and Adolescents: The Golden Window

This is the ideal time for maxillary expansion because the maxillary bones have not yet fully fused. This makes the expansion process easier, faster, and more effective. Treatment is typically performed between the ages of 7 and 14. An orthodontist will evaluate the bone structure and select the most suitable device, such as a Rapid Palate Expander (RPE), an Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE), or a Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE)

Late Adolescent and Adult: A Viable Option

Even though the maxillary bones are more firmly fused in adulthood, expansion is still a viable option. An orthodontist will carefully evaluate the bone condition and choose the most appropriate technique and device, such as a Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE). In some cases, to achieve the best results, an orthodontist might need to use an RPE with a surgical procedure called Surgically Assisted Rapid Palate Expansion (SARPE).

The Maxillary Expansion Procedure: What to Expect

Evaluation and Treatment Planning: An orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination, including intraoral and extraoral photos, X-rays of the teeth, skull, and jaws, as well as an intraoral scan. This information is used to analyze the jaw structure and create the most suitable treatment plan.
Appliance Placement: An orthodontist will attach the expansion appliance to the upper teeth and palate.
Appliance Activation: A small joint in the center of the device applies outward pressure using wires. To activate the expansion, a special key is inserted into the joint and turned daily (or as prescribed by an orthodontist), gradually moving the back teeth outward. This action causes the appliance to gradually expand the jaw.

Retention Phase : Once the desired expansion is complete, the appliance will remain in your mouth for a retention period of about 3 to 6 months. This crucial phase allows the new bone to solidify, ensuring the expanded jaw remains stable and permanent.

If you are looking for a solution to a narrow upper jaw or would like more information about maxillary expansion, don't hesitate to consult a board-certified orthodontist from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) at Songkhunmor Judfun Dental Clinic.

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