Dr. King Answers: What Is an Expander, and What Is It Used For?

Q: My friend’s young son recently got an “expander.” What is this, and what is it used for?

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen
the patient's upper jaw bone. [Wikimedia Commons]

A: Great question! A palatal expander -- also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander -- is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the patient's upper jaw bone.

The classic expander used a turn key, and is quite bulky and painful. At King Orthodontics, we use a more modern, streamlined, custom and comfortable expander -- with no turn key needed.

As an expander works, the maxilla [upper jaw bone] and arch of teeth are slowing widened.  Expanders are superb for growing patients, but will not safely work for non-growing adults.  Expansion usually takes about 6-9 months, and the results are often dramatic!

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: What All Is Included in a Free Consultation?

Q: What all is included in a free consultation?

A: It is important to know that the consultation is completely free with absolutely zero pressure. Basically, it is an information-gathering appointment for the parent/patient.

First, I review your dental history and see what your specific concerns are regarding possible orthodontics. Although a referral from your general dentist is not required, I will also address any concerns or questions your family dentist has.

At King Orthodontics, each free orthodontic consultation includes a free
panoramic radiograph [x-ray] and exam. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]

At King Orthodontics, we provide a completely free panoramic radiograph [x-ray, pictured] and exam. I will let you know, in easy-to-understand terms, what the problems are. I will review all of your options -- including the option of doing nothing, which is sometimes the best route. 

Insurance and payment options -- including no-down-payment and interest-free financing -- are also discussed. Most importantly, I will let you know exactly and honestly what I would choose if your child were my own son or daughter.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free and informative consultation.

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SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Are Separators, and Why Don't You Use Them?

Q: What are separators, and why don’t you use them?

A: There are two basic types of braces: the traditional metal bands that encircle the entire tooth, and the modern small brace that is bonded directly to the tooth’s front surface.

Separators are small rubber rings that are wedged between adjacent teeth
around their point of contact. Dr. King prefers to use the modern bonding
method, which affords much greater patient comfort and easier tooth brushing.

Separators are small rubber rings that are wedged between adjacent teeth around their point of contact. The compressed rubber expands over time, creating a small gap between the teeth. After the separators are removed, the small gaps remain between the teeth, allowing for the band-type brace to be fit around the entire tooth.

At King Orthodontics, we almost exclusively use the modern bonding method. This allows for much greater patient comfort and a much easier tooth brushing. When patients ask me why I don’t use separators, I often joke, “1980 called and it wants its braces back!”

Keep smiling, and see you soon.

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SOURCE: YouTube [image]

Dr. King Answers: What Are Low-Profile Braces?

Q: What are low-profile braces?

This graphic illustrates the size difference between standard
orthodontic brackets and low-profile brackets. [3M Unitek] 

A: Great question! Standard braces are, on average, about twice as large as mini-braces. Standard braces protrude, or stick out, from the teeth surfaces about twice as much as low-profile braces. [See example, right.]

At King Orthodontics, I only use mini-low-profile braces to improve the comfort and outcomes of my patients. Mini-braces allow a more gentle curvature of wire between crooked teeth, resulting in a less-intense force and greater comfort. Low-profile braces protrude much less, resulting in fewer cheek and lip irritations.

Smaller braces are easier to brush and also come loose a lot less often. At King Orthodontics, we use some of the very smallest and highest-quality braces available.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consultation.

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SOURCE: 3M Unitek [image]