Is a narrow palate making it hard to breathe easily while you sleep? Are you struggling with your oral hygiene due to crooked or crowded teeth? Do you want a comfortable smile that shines as bright as you do? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, palatal expanders may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Today, we want to share with you the growing trend of palatal expansion for adults in Kennewick over traditional surgical options, the dental issues it can treat, and why it can be a practical solution for adults looking for more affordable and less invasive orthodontic solutions.
What are Palatal Expanders?
Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) appliances (commonly known as palatal expanders) are an orthodontic tool used in palatal expansion treatment. Palatal expansion for adults is a treatment process used to widen the upper jaw. Typically, this treatment addresses oral health problems like crooked, overlapping, impacted, or crowded teeth, improper bite alignment, and breathing problems due to narrow palates.
The MSE appliance is placed onto the roof of the mouth. It works by applying pressure to both halves of the jaw, pushing outward to widen the space of the mouth slowly. As the palatal expander creates space, the body will naturally supplement that new space with bone tissue to solidify the treatment.
What are the Benefits of Palatal Expansion for Adults
#1: Improved Oral Function
First and foremost, successfully completing palatal expansion for adults means improved oral function. Should you suffer from any of the oral health issues we mentioned above, they can be detrimental to your long-term oral health as well as your daily activities. Realigning your teeth and broadening your upper arch with the help of palatal expansion will make it easier for your jaw to work, improving speech and eating while reducing strain on your jaw’s joints and muscles.
#2: Enhanced Aesthetics
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can make people self-conscious about their smile. Another benefit of successful palatal expansion for adults is enhanced aesthetics. A straight, beautiful smile can allow people to feel more confident in social or professional situations.
#3: Less Invasive than Surgery
While there is the option for surgical solutions when it comes to palatal expansion for adults, MSE appliances are a less invasive option. When placing palatal expanders in adults, we use temporary anchorage devices (TADs) that are inserted into the bone of the roof of the mouth to provide additional support to the appliance, since the suture in the middle of the palate is much more fused in adults than in children. The recovery period for this procedure is very brief and is followed by a similar adjustment period to braces. Depending on the unique situation of your treatment, palatal expanders often act as a single step in a greater comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan.
By taking this route, adults benefit from fewer risks and minimal downtime since it is a treatment that requires minor adjustments over time rather than one big surgery. Therefore, adults don’t have to worry about missing work, healing time, or being unable to perform normal daily functions.
#4: Greater Affordability
Lastly, palatal expansion for adults is typically less expensive than oral surgery. While the treatment plan will likely take a little longer to be successful, the lower upfront cost combined with the ability to complete the treatment without needing to take time off work or undergo recovery is often a more doable option for busy people.
What to Keep in Mind with Palatal Expanders:
As with any dental procedure, there is always the likelihood of some soreness and irritation, especially at the beginning of the treatment. However, we believe that every patient should be fully informed on what they can expect so they can prepare adequately. If you decide to move forward with palatal expanders, here are a few things we suggest you keep in mind.
- Expect to be sore during the first 48 hours after you have your MSE appliance placed.
- We recommend having a pain reliever on hand, and frequently suggest alternating between Tylenol and Ibuprofen for several days.
- You may have impacted speech, increased saliva production, and an adjustment period for swallowing at the start of your treatment.
- We recommend talking as much as possible for the first few days to give yourself the best chance of adjusting quickly!
- You will need to turn your palatal expanders at the prescribed intervals and frequency to achieve expansion.
- We will show you how to do this and ensure you know what schedule we are prescribing– it’s always helpful to set reminders on your phone!
- If you miss a turn, you will not “make it up.”
- Rather, you will make a note of it and let us know at your next visit.
- To protect your palatal expander from damage, you may need to make minor modifications to your diet.
- We suggest limiting sugary and acidic beverages and exercising caution with hard/crunchy/sticky foods.
- You will need to be diligent with your oral hygiene.
- We recommend talking with us during your appointment if you have any questions about keeping your expander clean.
Palatal Expander Orthodontist Near Me – Why Greg Brown Orthodontics is the Right Choice:
If you are an adult who is interested in orthodontic treatment but is seeking alternatives to surgery, palatal expanders may be the solution for you! This treatment is ideal for busy people experiencing issues with their bite or palate, but are hesitant to undergo surgery.
Stop searching for “a palatal expander orthodontist near me” because we at Greg Brown Orthodontics are a highly trained team ready to help you achieve your dream smile. Our team has extensive expertise in adult orthodontic treatments, including palatal expansion for adults. With our state-of-the-art equipment and treatment options, we ensure the best results for adults in Kennewick.
Plus, we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions! Instead, we build personalized care plans that focus on every patient’s unique needs. So whether you’re simply interested in MSE appliances to widen your jaw to breathe easier or a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan to fix various issues, we have got you covered.
Your journey with palatal expansion begins with a consultation. We will perform an in-depth assessment of your oral health, identify the underlying issues, and offer treatment options based on your needs, budget, and preferences. You don’t have to wait any longer to have the smile you’ve always wanted.
Ready to improve your smile without surgery? Contact Greg Brown Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how palatal expanders can work for you!
