Maxilary expanders

The upper jaw is expanded with the help of maxilary expander in order to restore the balance between the width of the arches, to improve breathing and to create space for the harmonious eruption of permanent teeth (if used in mixed dentition).

The active element, which produces the widening effect of the upper dental archwire, is a screw that can be operated by the patient (or the patient's parents) once or twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, as directed by the orthodontist. This results in rapid expansion of the upper jaw by opening the mid-palatal suture.

What is the ideal age for using of maxilary expanders?

The use of maxillary expanderis particularly indicated in children where the growth process of the upper jaw is not yet completed and the mid-palatal suture has not fully ossified - so before 13 years in girls and 15 years in boys (the ideal age is 7-10 years). Maxilary expanders can also be used successfully for adult patients in combination with orthognathic surgery.

What to expect after installing the maxilary expander?

• A state of discomfort that varies from individual to individual and disappears after a few days of wear.
• Difficulties in chewing and speaking. Although it can be bothersome after a few days it improves (we recommend reading aloud).
• Hypersalivation - lasts a few days, until the oral cavity 'gets used to' the presence of a foreign device in the mouth.
• Tongue injuries may occur due to the metal components from which the device is made.
• Tense feeling in the teeth and jaws whenever the screw is activated to expand the maxillary; lasts about 5-10 minutes.
• The appearance of a space between the upper incisors - is an indicator of the functioning of the treatment. Don't worry, it won't stay that way, the space will reorganize itself through dental migration due to the periodontal ligaments between the two incisors.

When to use a maxilary expander?

For the following conditions due to narrow jaw / jaw compression:

• Teeth crowding.
• Impacted or malpositioned canine - due to space deficency for eruption.
• Reverse occlusion (crossbite) involving several teeth, with a significant discrepancy between the size of the upper and lower jaw.
• Functional mandibular laterodeviation (mandible deviated to one side).
• Breathing problems.