If you’re learning about orthodontics, you may have heard of an expander as part of your treatment process. If so, you’re probably wondering what this device actually does and when it’s necessary to use one. An expander, also called an appliance, is used in the orthodontic process of tooth alignment and expansion in order to make room for braces to be put on and the final result to be achieved. Here are some answers to questions that many patients have regarding this device and how it can help during the orthodontic process.
What Are Expander Braces, And What Do They Do?
Some people do not get braces right away. Instead, they opt for lingual braces or a headgear device as a first stage of treatment. In some cases, an orthodontist may recommend that you start with an expander appliance (also known as a physiologic appliance) before moving on to fixed braces. Learn more about expander braces and how they differ from other types of dental appliances by reading our full guide below! A common question asked by parents is whether their child needs an expander in addition to regular braces.
Here’s what you need to know about them and when they’re used: What Are Expander Braces? If your child needs orthodontic treatment, he or she will likely be fitted with a variety of different appliances over time. These include brackets and wires for aligning teeth; rubber bands for holding back teeth; elastics for keeping lips closed during sleep; and retainers to keep everything in place once it’s all done. The most common type of additional appliance is called an expander. This device looks like a retainer, but it’s made out of sturdy plastic instead of metal wire.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Expander Braces?
Anyone who’s old enough to wear braces (typically, around age 12 or 13). If your dentist has advised you that you need an expander, it’s because they believe it will help straighten your teeth. Children with a full set of baby teeth and a desire to avoid future dental procedures are especially good candidates for expanders. Who Are The Best Candidates For Braces? Everyone else! Because braces can fix just about any orthodontic problem, there is almost no situation where they won’t be able to improve your smile.
If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment but aren’t sure what kind is right for you, visit SmileLabs today! We offer free consultations and we never pressure our patients into making quick decisions. We want you to be comfortable with every aspect of your decision before moving forward, so we take our time answering all of your questions. And remember: if you don’t have dental insurance, we offer flexible payment plans to make braces affordable for everyone! Schedule Your Free Consultation Today At SmileLabs Dental Group ! We look forward to seeing you soon!
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What Are The Benefits Of Expander Braces?
Braces are known for straightening and beautifying a smile, but did you know they can also help treat jaw pain, tooth pain and headaches? This is thanks to braces expander. A common use of expander braces is in correcting an underbite or overbite. The expansion and movement that occurs when wearing these devices helps loosen any tight muscles in your face that are restricting proper function. Expansion is also used to relieve pressure on teeth in cases where periodontal (gum) disease has occurred. If you experience chronic jaw or facial pain, talk to your dentist about whether an expander could be a viable treatment option for you.
Your dental professional will perform a thorough examination to determine if an expander would be right for you. In most cases, if it’s determined that no other medical treatments have been effective at relieving your symptoms, orthodontic expansion may provide relief! In order to learn more about what options are available in regard to treating jaw pain with braces, please contact us today at Gentle Dental Colorado Springs! Our experienced team members would love to answer any questions you may have regarding braces and/or other dental treatments. We’re happy to work with patients from all walks of life—from those who want healthy smiles for themselves and their families, all the way up through athletes looking for faster recovery times after injury.
How Do Expander Braces Work?
Braces, used to correct teeth that are misaligned or crooked, can be uncomfortable and difficult to wear. In some cases, orthodontists choose to expand a patient’s jaw with a series of elastics in order to better fit braces and make wearing them more comfortable. This is called an expander. The expander may be used for a few months or even years before braces are put on your teeth. Once you have your braces placed on, you will wear both your expander and your braces until they can be removed entirely.
Your orthodontist will tell you when it is time to take out your expander. You may notice loose skin around your lips or cheeks while using an expander, but once it has been taken out these areas should return to normal quickly. Expanders do not cause permanent damage to bones or tissue. If properly cared for, most patients report no side effects from using one during their treatment process. Some doctors recommend avoiding strenuous activities while using an expander; however, there should be no lasting effects from its use after braces are fitted and adjusted properly.
What Are The Costs Of Expander Braces?
The price for expander braces will vary depending on your orthodontist, however, you can expect to pay $5,000-$7,000. Before you begin treatment with an expander brace, it is essential that you know exactly how much it will cost. For example if your insurance doesn’t cover them or they are out of your budget – perhaps now isn’t the right time for you to be considering braces and Invisalign may be a better alternative as they offer payment plans and no hidden costs or surprise expenses along with fixed affordable prices and high quality work.
You can always discuss these options with your dentist who should be able to help determine what route is best for you. If you have questions about payment plans call our toll free number. Our team would love to help you make sure you get started in a way that works best for your situation. We understand every patient has different needs and we strive to accommodate everyone’s needs while offering top notch service so give us a call today!
As far as when expander braces are necessary – some patients need expanders before any other orthodontic appliance (such as headgear) is placed on their teeth because their teeth need additional space created before any type of movement can occur.
What Are The Results Of Expander Braces?
This will cause friction on your gums. So to avoid further irritation and infections it’s important to keep your teeth as clean as possible during treatment. You should brush thoroughly and floss around each tooth daily for 2 minutes, every day. If you can’t brush or if there is any bleeding after brushing or flossing please contact us immediately. Also, try not to bite down hard on anything other than food and drink; chewing gum is also not recommended.
The more careful you are with your mouth during treatment, the better chance we have of preventing problems from developing. What causes my teeth to shift over time? The main reason why teeth shift over time has to do with how much force has been applied to them. As mentioned above, expansion happens when tiny increments of pressure are applied over time; those forces eventually add up and create significant changes in how straight (or crooked) a patient’s smile looks. What do I need to do before my first appointment?
With almost 20 years experience treating patients with expanders Dr.
Do Orthodontic Expanders Hurt?
No, they don’t. The expander rests on your gumline and there are no sharp edges or pain associated with their use. Typically, patients using orthodontic expanders report that wearing them feels as though a small bubble is resting in their mouth. For example, it may be difficult to eat very hard foods. Such as steak or apples when you have an expander in place. Additionally, some people find that speech can be affected if an expander is not positioned correctly; proper positioning ensures optimal results from your orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists typically recommend not talking with your mouth open for long periods. Of time during orthodontic expansion so that you don’t accidentally bite down on and damage the appliance.
However, most patients wear their expanders at night while sleeping and remove them before brushing teeth in the morning. You should also avoid chewing on pencils or other objects. While wearing an expander because doing so could cause injury to your gums. In addition, you should always talk to your orthodontist about any concerns you might have regarding comfort or discomfort. Some patients find that their mouths become sore after wearing an expander for several days in a row; however, taking ibuprofen and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help alleviate any discomfort. If these methods fail to help ease discomfort, contact your dentist immediately because something may be wrong with your device.