Expansion Appliance
Orthodontic Expansion Appliances are very effective appliances and can be used very effectively by orthodontist and general dental practicioners for treatment of adults and children. The treatment length is relatively quick assuming the patient is compliant with the appliance. There are many types of Expansion appliances, most aim to achieve upper jaw widening, some of the appliances can also move individual groups of teeth.
Full arch or Midline expansion appliances are used for the correction of cross bites and widening heavily crowded dental arches, can be used in conjuction or before fixed appliance therapy.
3D expansion appliance used for full arch expansion combined with a force applied to push forward the anterior teeth while the posterior teeth move buccally.
Rationale
- Arch alignment where either one or both of the jaws have dental crowding
- Creating space during development of the jaws for the permanent teeth to erupt
- Widening the upper jaw in cross bite cases
- To increase space in the arch to prevent the need for extraction of teeth prior to fixed appliance therapy
Construction requirements
- Upper and lower impression in alginate
- ICP bite registration
- Study Models should be taken for Pre & Post treatment records
Further Information
Expansion appliances have been used by orthodontists for many years. The appliances require very little adjustment by the Clinician and the treatment time is often very quick when the patient adjust the screw correctly. Expansion appliances are also known as; Active Expansion Appliances, Removable Orthodontic Appliances, Arch Expanders
