Orthodontic Expanders and Lower Jaw

Can Orthodontic Expanders be used on the Lower Teeth to Avoid Extractions?

An orthodontic expander, also commonly referred to as a "palate-widening device," is commonly used on the top teeth to create space in between the teeth. The device, which is secured around one tooth on each side of the top of the mouth, gradually creates space in the top of the teeth through the course of a few weeks or months. By spacing out the palate, the teeth have more room to shift, which is ideal for patients who plan to get braces. Because the orthodontic expanders create more room at the top of the teeth, it lowers the chances of needing to extract teeth as a method of creating space as well. Since orthodontic expanders are successfully used to create room on the upper teeth, can't the same method be used to resolve crowding with the bottom?

An orthodontist is able to use an expander device on the upper teeth because of the mid-palatal suture in the upper arch of our mouths. The palate can be expanded if there is soft cartilage in the suture. Each time the expander is activated, either at home or by an orthodontist specialist, a gap between the front teeth develops as the teeth space out. But when an expander is used on the lower arch of the teeth, there is no such suture, which doesn't allow them the chance to expand.

The lower arch of the teeth have plates, but they are not similar to that of the upper teeth. They are near the joints, which doesn't allow the palate to widen. The teeth may shift and move, but it will not be a result of a widened palate creating additional space. However, an alternative to the expander device is a a removable retainer device, which has an expansion screw built in, similar to the palate expanders. While there are several alternate ways for the lower arches of teeth, it's important to realize that this will not be shifting bones, but rather just "tipping" teeth. Some orthodontists may even attempt to place springs in the lower arch with wires on the back of the teeth to get them to space out.

If these methods aren't available to you, extraction may be your only option to create space in the lower arch. The dentist typically removes two to four teeth to create the space needed, and the area will be numbed with anesthesia beforehand. The recovery time for extracted teeth is fairly quick, and you will be sent home with gauze and pain relievers to help you get through the following days. The dentist or orthodontist may recommend you only eat soft foods in this time. Your teeth may begin to gradually move on their own once the area has healed.

If you have additional questions about expansion devices, flaring and tipping the teeth, or your options for creating space in the lower arch of your teeth, contact our orthodontist at Beecroft Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and determine which method of treatment is the right one for you and your smile.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Orthodontic Expanders and Lower Jaw

Traumatic Injuries as a Result of Braces

Traumatic Injuries of Head and Neck with Orthodontic Braces

It is quite possible for you to sustain head and neck injuries when you are undergoing an orthodontic treatment. Though you will be as careful, there are chances of you getting hit in the mouth, or sustaining injuries to your face. Orthodontic braces may make your teeth, the gums and bones supporting it and the surrounding soft tissues more vulnerable to damage. If you have sustained any sort of injury, each of these aspects will have to be evaluated by the best orthodontist around.

Possible Damage you may Sustain

Once you begin orthodontic treatment, you will go about your life as normal. However, it is possible that you sustain some injuries. Take a look at some of the possible injuries and the implications:

Damage to teeth: If you have been hurt in the mouth, your orthodontist will check for any visible or hidden damage to the crown. The most common results are a chipped tooth or broken enamel. The tooth may also be fractured. Depending on the extent of this, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages.

Damaged teeth may be fixed with bonding, veneers or even a complete crown. This will depend on the extent of the damage. If the fracture of the tooth has gone down to the bone, then it may be removed and given time to heal.

Change in position: Trauma to the head or the face may result in the change of position of your teeth. This may happen if the bone surrounding your teeth is damaged in any way. You must know that bone is generally weaker than the teeth and tends to give way first.

If your teeth have shifted position, you will have to visit an oral surgeon who will evaluate your teeth first. You will then be given a mouth-numbing agent and will have your teeth brought back into position. The bone around your teeth will also be set back in place. Any broken or damaged braces will be removed and the trauma dealt with first. They will then be repositioned by your orthodontist to continue with your treatment.

Injury to your lips and your cheeks: This is a common result of wearing braces. While the teeth themselves are well protected because of the braces, the soft tissues in your mouth are not. It often gets badly cut and scratched in the event of an accident. You will feel discomfort for a while, but will have to bear with it in order for it to heal.

The use of a cold pack is a good idea. This will decrease the inflammation in the first two days. Because of the large number of vessels in the mouth, you may be shocked when you see the amount of blood that comes out. Do not let this alarm you. The large number of vessels in the mouth, actually help in speeding up the healing process as well.

You may not be able to protect yourself from damage at all times, but our professionals who practice at Beecroft Orthodontics say that using customized mouth-guards will make a huge difference. For further queries contact us today.

Beecroft Orthodontics, 10472 Georgetown Dr. Fredericksburg, Virginia

Phone: 540-898-2200

Traumatic Injuries as a Result of Braces