When Is Palate Expansion Necessary?

Crooked teeth can start at an early age, and Your pediatric dentists in El Cajon, CA, Dr. Michael Maurer and Dr. Gary Olen, can help give your child a straight smile. You may need palate expansion to help correct bite problems before getting braces.

What Is Palate Expansion?

Palate expansion is a procedure that helps widen the jaw. Your jaw is made up of two parts that can be moved apart slightly to make room for new bone to grow and allow for more space. This can be done with expanders from your El Cajon, CA, pediatric dentists. Some severe cases will need to be addressed with surgery.

Palate expansion is recommended for younger patients because it is more effective than for adults since their bones have not fully fused together. Surgery is usually reserved for adults who need palate expansion.

What Can Palate Expansion Treat?

There are a variety of issues that can be addressed with palate expansion, including:

Overcrowding of the teeth- overcrowding causes crooked teeth, which leads to a variety of dental problems. Crooked teeth are harder to clean and leave you at risk for tooth decay and gum disease because they allow plaque and tartar to build up on the surfaces of your teeth.

Crossbites- a crossbite is an orthodontic issue that occurs when the upper and lower teeth are not properly aligned. Crossbites make it difficult to chew food and also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Sleep apnea- although it is more common in adults, sleep apnea can affect some children. Palate expansion can help this issue because it helps you breathe better while you sleep.

Reach Out to Your Dentists

If you need palate expansion, your pediatric dentists in El Cajon, CA, Dr. Maurer and Dr. Olen, can help. Call us at (619) 440-5915 to book your appointment today.