At Belle Orthodontics, we believe that starting orthodontic care early can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. One of the most important parts of early treatment is the use of maxillary expanders and Phase I treatments. These treatments are designed to address dental and jaw issues in growing children before they become more serious problems down the road.

What is a Maxillary Expander?

A maxillary expander is a custom orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla). It is typically recommended for children whose upper jaw is too narrow, which can lead to issues like:

 

Crossbites

Crowded teeth

Breathing difficulties

Speech problems

 

By gently expanding the upper jaw, the expander creates more space for the teeth to grow properly and helps correct the bite. This treatment is non-invasive and highly effective when applied at the right time.

Benefits of Maxillary Expanders

Improves Bite Alignment: By widening the upper jaw, the expander helps improve the alignment of the teeth, preventing the development of bite problems like crossbites.

Prevents Tooth Crowding: Expanding the jaw creates more space for teeth to grow into their proper positions, reducing the need for tooth extraction later.

Improves Breathing: A properly expanded upper jaw can help alleviate breathing difficulties, such as mouth breathing, and improve airflow through the nose.

Boosts Self-Confidence: When a child’s smile is properly aligned early on, it can significantly improve their confidence and self-esteem.

Avoids Future Complications: By addressing jaw and bite issues early, expanders help prevent more complex and costly orthodontic treatments later in life.

What to Expect During Treatment

Comfortable and Non-Invasive: Maxillary expanders are easy to wear and typically cause minimal discomfort. Your child will need to wear the expander for several months, with regular follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Regular Adjustments: If your child is undergoing Phase I treatment, there will be regular visits to adjust the appliances and monitor their progress. Dr. Chyun will keep you informed every step of the way.

A Healthier, Confident Smile: Once Phase I treatment is complete, your child will have a well-aligned, healthy smile and may require less extensive treatment in the future, saving both time and money.

Why is Early Treatment Important?

Preventing Long-Term Issues: Addressing problems early can prevent more severe and complex issues from developing later. This might include severe crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment that could require more invasive surgeries or longer treatment periods.

Guiding Proper Growth: Early orthodontic treatment helps guide the growth of your child’s jaw and teeth, ensuring they develop in the correct alignment. This minimizes the need for future treatment and can reduce the overall treatment time later on.

Improved Oral Health: Early treatment helps maintain and protect your child’s oral health. By correcting bite issues and creating space for growing teeth, we ensure they can chew, speak, and breathe more easily.

Fewer Extractions: Early intervention can reduce or even eliminate the need for tooth extractions, as it helps the teeth align naturally and creates the proper space for them to emerge.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Early Treatment?

It’s always best to bring your child in for an evaluation around age 7, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. During this visit, Dr. Chyun will assess your child’s dental development and determine if Phase I treatment or the use of a maxillary expander is needed. Some signs that early treatment may be necessary include:

  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Narrow upper jaw or crossbite
  • Speech or breathing difficulties
  • Thumb-sucking or other habits that may affect oral development

Even if your child does not have obvious issues, early evaluation ensures that any potential problems are addressed early before they become more complex.

What is Phase I Treatment?

Phase I treatment refers to the first stage of orthodontic care, usually started when a child is between the ages of 6 and 9. This stage focuses on addressing developing dental and jaw problems early, while the child’s mouth and jaw are still growing. Early treatment can often eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic work in the future.Phase I treatments are often less invasive and involve appliances like:

 

Maxillary Expanders

Braces

Retainers

Space maintainers

 

Dr. Peter Chyun will determine if Phase I treatment is necessary during your child’s first consultation. This proactive approach can help guide the development of your child’s teeth and jaw, ensuring a healthier, more balanced smile as they grow.