Can you have braces and an expander at the same time?
While an expander is usually done before braces, it’s possible that you could have both at the same time. It’s also perfectly safe. Your orthodontist will be simultaneously correcting jaw discrepancy and teeth alignment and having both at the same time in some cases could save the total treatment time.
How long do you have to wear an expander before braces?
Most orthodontists will leave a palate expander in for at least 6 months. Some doctors will remove the expander at 6 months and replace it with a smaller appliance to hold the expansion such as trans-palatal arch or a removable acrylic retainer.
Do you need braces after an expander?
Depending on your orthodontic needs, you may or may not require braces after wearing an expander. This is because braces correct the alignment of teeth that are already grown into place, which may not be necessary if an expander creates more space between teeth so teeth can straighten themselves.
What do expanders do for braces?
Orthodontic expanders do pretty much what the name suggests. They expand, or widen, your child’s jaw or palate, making room for all their adult teeth to grow in normally. If your child needs them, getting started with the devices early can bring significant benefits down the road.
How painful is an expander?
Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.
Do expanders widen your face?
Additional orthodontic work is sometimes needed in more severe cases. A Herpst appliance or a palatal expander can move the jaw or widen the upper jaw. The ultimate result is a new smile and, in most moderate to severe cases, orthodontics change the shape of your face – subtly.
Do you have to get expander for braces?
Sometimes the upper posterior teeth are tipped inward and the arch wires in braces can tip them outward, which will make the upper jaw wider without the need for an expander. However, in cases where we really need to widen the upper arch, it is best done with an expander-especially for growing children ages five to 15.
Can adults get jaw expander with braces?
So, yes, we can expand the shape of the upper arch using braces and Invisalign, but we cannot make the upper jaw (the maxilla) and the two sides wider without using some type of expander. Not every child’s jaw is big enough to accommodate his or her permanent adult teeth, which can result in crowding and misalignment.
What do expanders do teeth?
Crossbite. When the upper jaw is too narrow to fit with the lower jaw, an expander can expand the upper jaw to fit…
Do lingual braces work for crowded teeth?
All that said, if you are able to find a local orthodontist who is willing and able to administer them, lingual braces are just as effective as standard braces for correcting teeth crowding. Given the extra work involved, they tend to be more expensive than other options, often costing upwards of $10,000 for a full course of treatment.