Orthodontic treatment often revolves around the concept of expansion, a process designed to correct dental crowding and misalignment by increasing the jaw’s width. This guide delves into the various methods of orthodontic expansion, highlighting their applications from children to adults.
Expansion in Children: Early Intervention, Lasting Benefits
In children, the jaw is still developing, making it more malleable for orthodontic expansion. This early intervention can lead to significant improvements in dental function and aesthetics.
Options for Expansion in Children
1. Removable Expanders: These are often the first line of treatment in young patients. They are custom-made and fit over several teeth, exerting gentle pressure to widen the jaw gradually.
2. Fixed Expanders: Attached directly to the teeth, these devices offer more control and are used in cases requiring more significant expansion.
Expansion in Adolescents and Adults: Addressing Complex Needs
In adults, jaw bones have fused, making expansion more challenging. However, advanced techniques like SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) have made adult expansion feasible and effective.
SARPE and MARPE: A Closer Look
1. SARPE: This involves a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery. A surgeon performs a procedure to separate the fused palatal bone, allowing orthodontists to use expanders to widen the jaw gradually.
2. MARPE: A less invasive alternative to SARPE, MARPE uses miniscrews to assist the expansion process, suitable for mild to moderate cases.
Both methods require careful planning and coordination between the orthodontist and surgeon to ensure successful outcomes.
Novel Techniques: The Win System by Professor Dirk Wichmann
A groundbreaking development in adult orthodontic expansion is the use of fully customized lingual appliances with expansion and constriction arch wires. Introduced by Professor Dirk Wichmann, the Win System, presents an innovative alternative to traditional methods.
The Win System: A Game-Changer
• Customization: Each appliance is tailor-made to fit the patient’s dental anatomy, ensuring precise and comfortable treatment.
• Aesthetics and Comfort: Being lingual (placed behind the teeth), these appliances are virtually invisible, offering an aesthetic advantage.
• Effectiveness: The use of specially designed arch wires allows for controlled expansion and, in some cases, constriction, providing a versatile solution that can address a variety of orthodontic concerns.
Application in Selected Cases
While expansion using the Win System may not be suitable for all patients, it offers a compelling option for those seeking less invasive alternatives to SARPE or MARPE. It’s especially appealing to patients prioritizing aesthetics.
Conclusion
Orthodontic expansion has evolved significantly, offering a range of solutions tailored to the unique needs of both children and adults. From traditional expanders in children to innovative techniques like SARPE, MARPE, and the Win System in adults, these methods highlight the advancements in orthodontic care. As with any medical procedure, a consultation with a qualified orthodontist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and circumstances.
Back to Blog
I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
“I'm very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr. Erfan Salloum's attention to detail, and so happy he took the time...”
“Over the moon with the results from my orthodontic treatment at Dublin Orthodontics. I can not speak more highly of Dr. Erfan Salloum and his...”
