One of the treatments we commonly
recommend as an early treatment is the
expansion of the upper arch in cases where it is very narrow and/or crossbites
exist. Crossbites are where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. The analogy of shoes that are the right
size but too narrow works well here. Even though it is the right
size...you cannot get your foot all the way into a shoe that is too narrow.
The same holds true for the upper jaw and the amount of forward growth possible
in the lower jaw. When the upper jaw is narrow the mandible naturally will
stay back somewhat contributing to "overbite" development. (We actually call it
overjet, to
orthodontists overbite is the depth of overlap
of the front teeth... not forward displacement).
This appliance is called a Quad
Helix Expander. It is utilized at an early
stage of development to quide growth. It is pre-adjusted and cemented in
place on the first molars and requires no additional adjustment in most
cases.
This is how the appliance appears in the mouth. It is
checked periodically to be sure that the wires do not impinge on the gum tissue
as expansion progresses. It is very well tolerated by the patient except
for the first few days. It will make the teeth sore as the mild force
loads onto the molars and the other abutment teeth. Within a week, the
patient usually will forget it is there. It is watched monthly for about 6
months and then a few more times over the balance of one year.
TM
