If you wear braces, you’ve likely come across the term orthodontic expander at some point in your treatment. But what exactly does this contraption do? This article will discuss the basics of orthodontic expander braces and when they’re needed during your orthodontic treatment.
What Are Expander Braces, And What Do They Do?
Even though they aren’t used very often anymore, expander braces are an orthodontic treatment that can still be effective in certain cases. Even though they don’t always need to be used, there are certain situations where they may be appropriate. The goal of an expander is to help widen a patient’s jaw as quickly and comfortably as possible. This should take between six and eight weeks before it has fully expanded.
Who Are The Best Candidates For Expander Braces?
Although braces expanders are becoming more common, they’re still far from mainstream. If you have jaw or tooth crowding issues, an expander could be right for you. The good news is that they aren’t reserved just for adults anymore; many orthodontists use them on kids as young as eight. In most cases, kids outgrow their jaw issues before expanding is complete. So, if your child will be getting braces and you want to maximize her treatment with an expander first, make sure she consults with an orthodontist to see if it’s a viable option for her smile.
Benefits
There are several benefits to using expander braces. First, they’re less expensive than traditional braces. Instead of using multiple brackets and wires like traditional braces do, expander brackets use a single wire for each tooth. For patients with more than six teeth in need of correction, expanders save time and money as well; rather than treating all six at once, only one tooth is treated at a time. That reduces overall treatment time and cost while still producing good results. And because there’s less risk of breakage when you’re working with a single wire instead of several wires attached to multiple brackets, expansion is much safer than traditional orthodontics procedures.
How Do These Braces Work?
They’re a type of orthodontic appliance that gradually expands your teeth over time. They are typically used to widen an overcrowded space or increase tooth size in general, and they tend to work faster than traditional braces. However, they can also be used on their own or as part of a full treatment plan. You might hear expanders referred to as headgear, expansion devices, active orthodontics, or constant force (or pressure) appliances; they all refer to the same thing. There are a few different types of expander appliances available depending on your specific needs and goals. We’ll explain how each one works so you can decide which one is right for you.
What Are The Costs Of Expander Braces?
The costs of braces expander depend on several factors, including where you live, your treatment options, and which orthodontist you choose. Before any treatment begins, an orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and make recommendations based on their findings. Braces are considered an elective procedure, but because they have such a high success rate for straightening teeth and helping patients maintain a beautiful smile, most insurance companies cover some portion of their cost. However, it’s important to verify that your insurance provider does cover dental procedures before making any payments or signing any contracts.
What Are The Results Of Expanders’?
The results of expander braces are almost always very positive. The purpose of an expander is to create more space in crowded teeth so that new, permanent teeth can grow in healthier and straighter. After braces are removed, patients typically have straighter teeth, higher self-esteem, and more room for their permanent teeth! For more information on Braces Prices or If you would like to schedule a consultation, call our office today!
Do Orthodontic Expanders Hurt?
Often, orthodontists won’t have to fit a patient with an expander. Many people with underdeveloped jaws are able to achieve healthy teeth alignment through traditional braces alone. But, in some cases, an expander is needed to help patients’ jaw develop and grow so that braces can take hold effectively. Expanders must be worn consistently in order for them to work, so their use depends on your specific case; consult your orthodontist for more information about whether or not you will need an expander along with your braces. You should also talk to your orthodontist about how long you will wear it—expanders usually aren’t worn for more than 18 months or two years at most, so be sure to plan accordingly if you require one.
