Is non-surgical palate expansion in adults possible?

Question

I would really like to avoid having that temporary tooth gap that results from surgically assisted palate expansion, but I’ve read that braces/palate expanders in adults only shift the teeth, not the jaw bone. Is this true? Are there more options to consider? Thank you

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Yes, adult arch development is definitely possible. We have been doing it in my office for 25 years. It works, if done correctly. There are multiple appliance options for non-surgical adult arch development, including: DNA, ALF, SLDA, Schwarz, Meridian, etc. Some of these appliances are fixed (cemented into the mouth) others are removable.

If your teeth are excessively crowded you basically have two options for treatment: 1. extract teeth or 2. enlarge the space. Extracting teeth is RARELY the best option as it leads to: a constricted airway, compromised TMJ's, adverse facial changes, and unstable results. Making the arches bigger will result in: enlarged airway, healthier TMJ's, facial enhancement, wider more attractive smile, and 2-8 more teeth!

Good luck!

Ricardo Perez, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

HiAll the palatal expasions (surgical and no surgical) make a gap. MARPE it's a new approach to resolve palatal compression, You can read the article attached and have an idea of what is .On the other hand, we have DENTAL expansion, we only modify the dental arch and most of the cases there's no gap.

Is non-surgical palate expansion in adults possible?

Answers (2)

More Braces Questions

Is non-surgical palate expansion in adults possible?

Answers (2)

More Braces Questions

Invisalign: my canines are sticking out. Will I now need traditional braces? (Photo)

Do I need extraction or IRP?

My frontal one tooth is half chipped. Can it be lengthened by braces?

My smile and chin/ jawline looks ugly. Should I get braces, or jawline and chin fillers?

How do I ask my orthodontist for a refund? He's messed me up terribly, along with his chosen surgeon

Time to fix my anterior crossbite, can braces change the shape of my face? (Photos)