A braces expander is a dental appliance that is used to correct a malocclusion, which is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. It is typically used during orthodontic treatment to widen the upper jaw and improve the fit between the upper and lower teeth. In this article, we will explore the different types of expanders, their purposes, and how they are used.
Types of Expander
There are several different types of expanders that can be used in orthodontic treatment. The most common types include:
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Removable Expander: This type of expander is custom-made to fit over several upper teeth and is removed for eating, playing sports, or cleaning. It is usually激活每天几次，每次只需旋转一小部分.
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Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE): This expander is a fixed appliance that fits in the roof of the mouth and adheres to the back upper teeth. It is activated daily by turning a small screw that applies pressure to the maxillary bones.
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Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (SARPE): This expander is used for more severe cases or when the patient has very developed bones. It involves a larger incision to expose the mid-palatal suture and the placement of mini dental implants that provide direct pressure to the upper jaw.
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Hyrax Expander: This expander is another fixed appliance that is attached to the molars with bands and expands the palate slowly and quietly.
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Quad-Helix Appliance: This expander is a non-adjustable, fixed expander that works on the upper molars and expands on its own.
Purpose of an Expander
The primary purpose of a braces expander is to correct a malocclusion by providing pressure to the maxillary bones. This pressure encourages the two sides of the upper jaw to move apart, resulting in a wider maxilla. This expansion creates more space for the permanent teeth to erupt and prevents further misalignment.
How Expander is Used
The process for using a braces expander usually involves the following steps:
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Consultation: The orthodontist will examine your mouth and determine if an expansion appliance is necessary.
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Design: The orthodontist will custom-make the expander based on your mouth's unique specifications.
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Insertion: The expander is inserted into the mouth and the small screw is activated according to the patient's specific instructions.
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Activation: The patient or their parent will activate the expander by turning the screw a set number of times per day.
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Adjustment: The orthodontist will adjust the expander as needed to achieve the desired outcome.
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Maintenance: The patient will wear the expander for a specified amount of time, ensuring that the expansion is successful.
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Outcome: After the expansion is complete, the patient's teeth will be carefully checked by the orthodontist to ensure that the expansion was successful and that the correct position has been maintained.
Results and Outcomes
Braces expanders are generally effective in correct ing malocclusions caused by a narrow maxilla or a misaligned bite. Most patients who undergo expansionTreatment find that their teeth are able to come together more naturally and chew more easily.
Risks and Complications
While most people who receive bracesexpansion do not experience any serious side effects or complications, there are a few potential risks associated with this procedure. These include:
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Pain: Some patients may experience discomfort or soreness while the expander is being adjusted or while the teeth are moving into place.
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Relapse: If the expander is removed过早, the palate may relapse to its previous position.
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Infection: There is always a risk of infection when any foreign object is introduced into the mouth, such as the expander.
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Teething: Young patients may experience teething discomfort during the first few weeks of expansion.
Conclusion
Braces expanders are a useful tool in the orthodontist's arsenal for correcting a variety of teeth and jaw alignment issues. By gently applying pressure to the maxillary bones, expansion can create more space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. If you are considering expansion treatment, it is important to consult with an experienced orthodontist who can provide you with the best guidance and treatment options for your unique needs.
