There are alterations in the normal development of the bones of the face, one of the most common occurring when the maxilla, the bone that supports the upper teeth, does not develop correctly sideways, causing serious bite problems.

The good news is that there is a procedure known as maxillary expansion that we use in orthodontics, in a very predictable way, to widen the upper palate or maxilla, which allows us to correct certain bite problems or improve dental and facial esthetics. In this procedure, gradual and controlled forces are applied to the palate allowing us to increase the width of the maxilla.

Maxillary expansion can be performed in patients of all ages, however, it is recommended in children and adolescents in whom the palatal bones have not yet fused completely, which makes its resolution extremely simple (with the help of a small intraoral orthopedic appliance). In adults these treatments are much more complex and require interdisciplinary planning to resolve them correctly, which normally includes a surgical procedure. In the video you can see the preparation of one of our patients for this procedure that we perform with the help of the Invisalign system.

Jaw expansion can be beneficial in correcting a variety of bite problems, such as posterior crossbite (the way we bite in the back), horizontal overbite, open bite (the distance between the upper and lower front teeth) and dental crowding. It can also help improve facial appearance by correcting a narrow smile or facial asymmetry caused by poorly positioned teeth. There is even scientific evidence which reports improved breathing after using this procedure.

It is important to note that, like any medical procedure, jaw expansion carries certain risks and potential side effects. These can include pain, discomfort, dizziness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, increased saliva production, and others. For this reason it is important to see a certified orthodontist who can correctly diagnose whether or not you require this treatment and who knows how to apply these devices safely.

In our clinic we routinely apply this type of procedure in many of our patients older than 7 years old. We invite you to consult if this type of treatment is a good option for your oral health.