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I Have a Crossbite(right Side Upper Teeth) and Tmj. Are Braces the Best Fix for Me?

asked 4 months ago by Christine 131 in PA
Latest answer by Scott Frey, DDS
Question viewed 116 times
Tags: 1 month post-op, candidate, crossbite, expander, TMJ

I am 34 and just got braces put on a month ago. I went to the dentist a day ago and he was not sure braces were the best option for my issues. He was discussing with me a plastic expander to be worn during the day and night. He told me to discuss this with the orthodontist when I go tomorrow. I just do not want to spend all this money on braces if they are not going to help with the crossbite or tmj. Thank you for your help

2 answers to I Have a Crossbite(right Side Upper Teeth) and Tmj. Are Braces the Best Fix for Me?

+1

The Plastic Expander is a Poor Choice for a 34 Year Old

The removable "plastic expander" your dentist is talking about is certainly not a better option than braces, and will deliver an inferior result because all it will do is tip your molars out to fix your crossbite, which usually doesn't look good or fit well with your lower teeth. I also find it strange that your dentist would be undermining your treatment without consulting first with your orthodontist (who is the specialist in this area after all). Additionally,... more
Scott Frey, DDS

Allentown Orthodontist
+1

"plastic expander" or braces.

I would recommend that you talk to your orthodontist. In many cases braces CAN expand the upper arch and correct the cross bite without an expander. The newer Damon braces are especially good at this. Elastics can also help to do this. I would take the advice of the orthodontist who has probably done several thousand cases vs. the the dentist who may not have done any and just "heard about" the plastic expander in a class or discussion... more
Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD

Phoenix Orthodontist

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