Palatal Expanders in La Marque, TX
If your child or teen requires orthodontic treatment, the first step may involve the use of a palatal expander. At our practice, we provide palatal expanders in La Marque, TX, that facilitate orthodontic treatment by increasing the jaw space and providing more room for correction. To know if expanders are the right choice for your kid or teen, book an appointment with our experts at South Star Dental today.
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How Does a Palatal Expander Work?
Palatal expanders are special orthodontic appliances that gradually separate the two halves of your upper jaw, creating more space for teeth to adjust. An expander is typically used during the first stage of an orthodontic treatment. It provides amazing results among kids and teens because their jaws are still growing, and they adapt quickly to the new change.
At our La Marque clinic, we use palatal expanders to help correct dental misalignment. Having an expander at an early stage can fix several bite problems and prevent the need for complex surgeries later on.
Does Your Child Need a Palatal Expander?
Not every child needs to have one, but for some, it’s a necessity to avoid more complicated issues. One common reason our La Marque experts may recommend a palatal expander is if your child’s teeth are crowded or overlapping. This can happen if their jaw is too narrow or does not have enough space to fit in all the teeth.
Another issue is a crossbite, in which some of the upper teeth bite inside your lower ones. Expanders help expand the upper jaw, so both your upper and lower teeth come together correctly.
We may also recommend using an expander if your kid or teen has impacted canines, a habit of mouth breathing, or sleep-related breathing problems.
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How Do We Place Palatal Expanders at Our La Marque Clinic?
Getting a palatal expander is actually not as hard as it may seem. We explain every detail, making sure it’s easy for your kid to understand and adapt to.
Fitting the Appliance
Using a digital scan, we create an expander that fits just right in their mouth. It is secured in place with the support of the upper molars.
Daily Adjustments
You’ll get a small key to carefully turn the expander as per our dentist’s instructions. Your child may feel a small burst of pressure at first, but it gets better.
Over the next few weeks, the expander works little by little to widen the palate.
Retention Phase
After achieving the desired width, the appliance will stay in your child’s mouth for a few more months, so the bone and tissues become stable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right age for palatal expanders?
Most children do best with an expander when their jaws are still growing, often between the ages of 6 and 12.
Is it painful to get a palatal expander?
Some soreness is to be expected after every activation of the expander. But as your kid adapts to this appliance, the pain fades away over time.
What if my child misses an activation?
Don’t double turn if your child forgets to turn the key or misses an activation. Instead, it’s better to visit us for proper instructions.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If your child’s jaw appears narrow or they have crowded teeth, consult our dentist to learn if our palatal expanders in La Marque, TX, are right for them. Call us at (409) 777-0930 to schedule an appointment.