Have you just got your new removable arch expander, or has your orthodontist recommended one? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about arch expanders and the treatment process.
A removable arch expander, upper or lower expander, as it is more commonly known, is used in orthodontics to widen the upper or lower arches when they are narrow and tipped inwards. These appliances are used to tip the teeth into a larger circumference, making easier to align the teeth. It is usually made of plastic or metal clips to hold it in place.
As your child’s jaw is still growing, more progressive orthodontic treatments required at this stage in their oral development make treatments much easier and more effective. The arch expander, in this instance, applies gentle pressure to the upper and/or lower teeth. Over time, the dental arches gradually widen.
Who are they for?
A removable arch expander is only required if recommended as a treatment option by your orthodontist. Every patient’s situation and treatment are unique, and therefore, not all patients require a removable arch expander.
Patients with crowded lower or upper teeth are usually the best candidates for the treatment.
Orthodontists typically recommend that children who require an arch expander start wearing one from the age of 7 onwards. Moving the teeth at such an early age, when the muscle and bones are supple, can significantly reduce the likelihood of more invasive procedures later in life. The typical treatment time depends on age but is only three to six months.
We must be careful in using removable arch expanders in adults because it is possible to weaken the gums by pushing the teeth off the supporting bone and thinning the gums, leading to gum recession.
How does an Arch Expander Work?
An arch expander works by applying a force through a screw in the plastic that is progressively turned to apply a steady force to each half of the dental arch tipping the teeth outwards.
Arch expanders should not cause any significant pain or discomfort, but like any dental treatment, there can be some mild tenderness for the first few day’s post-treatment. This discomfort can be treated using over-the-counter pain medication.
What Types of Arch Expanders do we Use?
A removable arch expander looks somewhat like a retainer, but it has a screw that is slowly turned to effect, and expansion force We generally use removable arch expanders if only small adjustments need to be made to increase the width.
Another arch expander that you may have recommended is a FIXED rapid palate expander, which is fixed to the back upper teeth for stability and aims to broaden the jaw through the midline of the upper jaw. This can only be achieved in growing children or more complex processes are chosen for adults and post-adolescent children. These procedures will be presented in detail in an additional post.
Treatment & Recovery
The length of treatment for an arch expander is specific to the individual treatment plan, the severity of your child’s condition, and how often your child complies with wearing it. A child of 7 or 8 may only need to wear one for 6months to a year.
Just like braces, retainers, and headgear, it can take some time to get used to the arch expander. Some temporary side effects may be tenderness, headaches, drooling, and a lisp. However, these will only last a very short time and can be easily managed at home for a couple of days.
Lastly, food debris and plaque may accumulate on your arch expander, which can lead to complications such as bad breath or gum disease. Therefore, it’s important to clean your expander every day and observe the cleaning instructions provided to you by your hygienist or orthodontist.
As removable arch expanders are the least commonly used treatment option at The Orthodontists, the hardest part of the treatment is encouraging patients to wear the appliance as instructed. Removable arch expanders require a considerable amount of cooperation from the patient as they are asked to wear an appliance that fits either the roof of the mouth or on the inside to the lower teeth.
The more your child can wear the appliance, the better the outcome and the shorter the period the appliance must be utilised as a part of the overall treatment process. If your child only wears it for half the time that they are instructed to do so, then that phase of treatment is likely to last longer or the procedure may be unsuccessful. Remember this is a team effort!
If you are worried about your child wearing an arch expander, your orthodontist can work with you to create a schedule that works for your child.
Moving Forward with Removable Arch Expanders
We hope you now have a better understanding of everything moving forward with a removable arch expander and what to expect in the coming weeks. You should feel confident about your child’s treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment in general, please call us on 1300 067 846.