At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics in Arlington Heights and Deerfield, IL, we practice early orthodontic treatment in children to not only monitor the growth of their teeth but also to intervene when necessary. Early treatment involves seeing a child by the age of seven to evaluate their bite alignment, teeth, and jaw to determine if there are any early signs of orthodontic issues like a crossbite. At this time, if a crossbite is present, our Drs. Jarosz and Valente may recommend the use of a palatal expander to correct a crossbite.
A Palatal Expander Explained
A palatal expander is an orthodontic device that is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. When the upper jaw is too narrow to fit comfortably against the lower jaw, it will create a bite that’s misaligned, also known as a crossbite. This is where a palatal expander can help. These appliances will apply light pressure on the sides of the upper jaw which will allow the palate tissues to move into their correct positioning, giving more width to the upper jaw. This can benefit a patient by lessening crowding, relieving uneven wear on teeth, making it less difficult to chew properly, and providing more space to alleviate a crossbite.
How a Palatal Expander Can Correct a Crossbite
A palatal expander is a small metal framework that will fit in the top of a patient’s mouth. A small screw that is located in the center of the expander is gradually tightened over the course of treatment. To turn this, it requires the help of a special key. You simply insert the key into the hole of the screw and then push it toward the back of the mouth. When you see the next hole appear, you’ll know that the turn is complete.
By providing this extra space for a child’s teeth and jaw, they will be less likely to develop a severe crossbite which could take years of braces and other orthodontic interventions to fix. Thankfully, the timely use of a palatal expander can help correct a number of orthodontic issues, including crossbites, during early orthodontic treatment.
Contact Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics for Early Orthodontic Treatment Today!
If your child is seven years old and has not had their first appointment with the orthodontist, contact Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics! By seeing the orthodontist early, our team will be able to determine if orthodontic issues are already present. In fact, we may be able to catch a crossbite in your child and effectively fix the issue even before they need braces. Request an appointment with our orthodontist in Arlington Heights and Deerfield, IL today. We look forward to seeing you soon.