Expanders - Braces R Us

(208) 737-0006

Twin Falls

(208) 788-0126

Hailey

(480) 668-8200

Mesa

Expanders

Braces R Us

Expanders

Date: October 19, 2023

Expanders are a commonly used orthodontic appliance. All expanders widen the semi-circular arch the teeth form. This creates space to alleviate crowding, and also creates a fuller, more pleasing smile, enhancing the esthetics of the overall treatment result.

Expansion is used in orthodontic treatment for a number of reasons. There are a number of developmental, environmental, functional, or growth discrepancies that can create a need for expansion as part of an overall treatment plan that addresses a patients’ orthodontic needs. Sometimes the teeth are collapsed inward towards the tongue, other times the jaws are narrow, or the problem could be a result of both the teeth and the jaws being narrowed. If the upper or lower teeth, or the upper jaw, need to be widened, an expander may be indicated.

There are expanders for the upper teeth and jaw, as well as expanders for the lower teeth. Expanders can be removable, or they can be “fixed” or cemented in place like the braces. Some expanders are designed to widen the upper jaw, and others are made to widen the semi-circular arch that the upper or lower teeth follow. The goal of all these expanders is to correct a width deficiency in the upper jaw, or the arch the teeth follow.

Expanders have several names. These orthodontic appliances are often just called expanders, but are also known as RPE’s, MSE’s or by other acronyms, as well as some designs being named after the doctors who invented the appliance, like the Schwarz appliance. Because there are a variety of problems that need to be addressed in orthodontic treatment, there are a variety of expander appliances. Each style of expander appliance provides expansion, but expands in a different manner or provides another function in addition to the expansion.

There are two types of expansion; dental and skeletal. Both the upper and the lower teeth can be expanded, but only the upper jaw allows skeletal expansion. Dental expansion is often referred to as “arch development” because the dental arch is expanded and a more natural arch form is developed. Generally speaking, removable expanders are as effective as fixed expanders at achieving arch development. For skeletal expansion, it usually requires a fixed expander to widen the upper jaw.

With dental expansion, or arch development, an expander appliance is not always needed. At times, arch development can be achieved with the braces. However, an expander may provide additional benefits or a more predicatable outcome in some cases, so not all arch development is done with or without an expander. The manner in which arch development is achieved depends on the individuals needs and what the treating orthodontist determines will be best suited to the patient and their individualized treatment plan.

For skeletal expansion of the upper jaw, there are expanders that attach to the teeth and there are variations that attach directly to the bone via small skeletal anchors or TADs. These appliances are generically called MARPE’s, and are especially helpful in getting skeletal expansion in adults and nongrowing teenagers. This is an exciting new development in orthodontic treatment because it allows for potential skeletal expansion in adults, where previously it required a surgical procedure to expand the upper jaw. Surgical expansion may be avoided with a MARPE, provided the upper jaw responds in a normal fashion.

Expanders widen the semi-circular arch the teeth follow which makes space to alleviate crowding, in addition to creating a fuller, more pleasing smile. Expanders are a wonderful appliance that helps the orthodontist improve the patients appearance, smile, bite, function, and oral health.

Orthodontic Appliances That Can Improve Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked, often by soft tissue in the back of the throat or due to poor jaw...

Breathing Problems and the Positive Impact of Orthodontics

Breathing is one of the most essential functions of the human body. When this natural process is disrupted, it can lead to a range of health problems, including poor sleep quality, fatigue, irritability, and even developmental issues in children. While many people...

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO!

It's been fun writing these blogs and I hope that you have found them interesting, informative, and fun to read. It is our hope that we have answered a lot of the questions you may have had about braces, aligners, hygiene, oral health, growth and development,...

The Benefits of LightForce Braces to Patients

Orthodontic technology has come a long way, providing patients with more advanced and effective ways to straighten their teeth and improve their smiles. One of the most innovative developments in the world of braces is LightForce braces, a cutting-edge treatment that...

The Difference Between LightForce Braces and Self-Ligating Braces

Orthodontic treatments have come a long way over the years, with advancements that offer patients more options and convenience. Two popular options for braces today are LightForce braces and selfligating braces. Although both are designed to straighten teeth and...

The Difference Between Invisalign and LightForce Braces

Orthodontics has made significant advancements, providing patients with multiple options for achieving a straighter smile and better bite alignment. Among the most popular choices today are LightForce braces and Invisalign. Both options are designed to straighten...

The Difference Between Traditional Braces and LightForce Braces

Orthodontic treatment has evolved over the years, offering patients various options to improve their smile and dental health. Two of the most common types of braces are LightForce braces and traditional metal braces. While both are designed to straighten teeth and...

Emotional Benefits to Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment, typically associated with improving dental health and aesthetics, also offers a range of emotional benefits that can significantly enhance a person’s overall well-being. The positive changes in appearance, functionality, and self-perception that...

What Are the Social Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment, primarily aimed at correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, offers numerous social benefits that go beyond the immediate improvements in dental health. While many people seek orthodontics for aesthetic reasons, the social advantages are just as...