You’ve been looking all over Charlotte and Indian Trail for a reliable orthodontic provider.
Your little one needs access to excellent care. What if Koerich Orthodontics could offer you a key? Not just any key, but one that can open the door to a brighter smile for your child. In our offices, such a key exists! It activates a device known as an expander. Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Leo can help if your child needs an expander. So don’t worry! In this blog, our team will answer any questions about palatal expanders.
What is an Expander?
Think of a palatal expander as a little magic gadget that helps make room in your kiddo’s mouth. It gently stretches your child’s upper jaw over time, bit by bit. It sounds like a fairy tale, but it’s a standard, straightforward treatment that can do wonders for your child’s oral health.
We usually bring out this magic gadget when the upper jaw is a bit too small compared to the lower one. This problem is something we call a crossbite. An expander is also our go-to helper when there’s a bit of a crowd and not enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in just right.
The expander is a tailor-made device that slides over a few top teeth in the back of the mouth. It’s like a bridge with two halves connected in the middle by a screw. You turn the screw a smidge daily with a unique key. The expander then works its magic. This process nudges the two halves of the upper jaw apart gradually.
With Dr. Lindsey, Dr. Leo, and our team at Koerich Orthodontics, an expander can be a comfy and efficient way to tackle specific orthodontic issues. It’s all part of our promise to provide personalized, effective treatment plans for our little patients. After all, we’re in the business of crafting stunning smiles, one child at a time!
Expectations For Expansion
Getting an expander starts with a friendly chat at Koerich Orthodontics. During your first visit, either Dr. Lindsey or Dr. Leo will take a good look at your child’s teeth, maybe even take a few X-rays, to see if an expander is just the ticket for your child’s smile.
Once we all agree that an expander is the way to go, we’ll take a 3D scan of your child’s teeth. This scan helps us design an expander that fits neatly into your child’s mouth.
Next comes the fitting, which is as easy as pie and doesn’t hurt a bit. The expander snuggles up over the back teeth and is securely bonded in place. Dr. Lindsey or Dr. Leo will then show you how to use it at home. All you have to do is use a key. It turns the screw in the heart of the device.
Throughout this adventure, our team at Koerich Orthodontics is all in to make sure your child is comfortable and understands each step. We’re here to make the journey toward a healthier smile as fun and smooth as possible.
Living with an Expander: Tips and Tricks
Getting used to an expander is like learning to ride a bike – it takes a little time and practice, but we’ve got some handy tips to make the ride smoother.
In the first few days, your child might find eating a bit tricky. Think soft and easy foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or pasta. They can slowly return to their usual meals as they get the hang of it. Just steer clear of sticky or hard foods that could give the expander a hard time.
Talking might feel funny at first. The expander might feel like a new dance partner, stepping on their tongue’s toes. But with some practice and patience, they’ll return to chatting away in no time. Reading aloud or singing their favorite songs can speed things up.
Keeping the mouth clean is super important with an expander. Regular brushing, especially around the expander, and rinsing can keep it sparkling clean. A water flosser can be a handy sidekick for those hard-to-reach spots.
A little discomfort or pressure is normal, especially after adjusting the expander. Over-the-counter pain relievers and sticking to soft foods can help. If discomfort hangs around, give us a shout at Koerich Orthodontics.
Encourage your child to share their feelings with their new mouth buddy. Regular check-ins help spot and solve any little issues early on, making the whole experience more comfortable.
Remember, this is just a phase, and with some care and a sprinkle of positivity, your child will soon be a pro at handling their new oral appliance. And the prize – a healthier, more dazzling smile – is worth the ride!
Check-in For A Check-up
Regular check-ups are a crucial part of the journey with an expander. These visits allow Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Leo to monitor your child’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the expander. It’s also an opportunity to address any concerns or questions you or your child might have. At Koerich Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing personalized care, ensuring that your child’s treatment progresses as planned and that they’re comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Using an expander can significantly improve your child’s oral health! By addressing issues like crossbites and overcrowding early, we help the jaw grow and better align the teeth, preventing more complex problems in the future. The result is a gleaming smile that boosts your child’s confidence. While the journey with an expander involves adjustments and new routines, remember that this phase is temporary, and the benefits will last a lifetime.
Koerich Orthodontics Is Your Palatal Provider
Navigating life with an expander in Charlotte or Indian Trail can be a new experience. Still, it’s a manageable journey with proper guidance and care from Dr. Leo and Dr. Lindsey. At Koerich Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Remember, this temporary phase leads to a lifetime of beautiful smiles—head here to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!