my doctor has told me that he will take these expanders out in 3 to 4 more weeks and then put invisalign. he said since i need 4 mm of space, he thinks my palate bone will be expanded in 4 to 6mm in 4 to 6 weeks. my question is once he takes expanders out wouldnt that make my palate bone(jaw) narrow again. he said invisalign also works as expanders so that wont happen. I just want to make sure that my doctor isnt making a irrationial decision by taking my expanders out in 6 weeks only. btw im 21
August 2, 2011
Answer: Palatal expansion before Invisalign can enhance result
Palatal expansion can enhance your Invisalign result and can be accomplished at any age with a removable appliance that pushes against the palatal bone, is activated slowly (2 X a week), and has good stability. However the most common type of expansion called Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) calls for a more rapid activation (daily), has been shown to be more unstable, so if you had this type of expansion, plan on some relapse. However, your orthodontist is giving you good information in that the aligners can be made to hold the expansion you have gained until more stability is achieved. Wearing retainers at night indefinitely after finishing your Invisalign treatment will assure you the best result.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 2, 2011
Answer: Palatal expansion before Invisalign can enhance result
Palatal expansion can enhance your Invisalign result and can be accomplished at any age with a removable appliance that pushes against the palatal bone, is activated slowly (2 X a week), and has good stability. However the most common type of expansion called Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE) calls for a more rapid activation (daily), has been shown to be more unstable, so if you had this type of expansion, plan on some relapse. However, your orthodontist is giving you good information in that the aligners can be made to hold the expansion you have gained until more stability is achieved. Wearing retainers at night indefinitely after finishing your Invisalign treatment will assure you the best result.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 1, 2011
Answer: There is always relapse
At age 21 there is a good chance that the suture down the middle of your palate is not separated. It could be separated but there is a large chance that the expansion all came from tipping the teeth towards your cheek. If the suture is separated it is wise to leave the expander in for three months to allow bone to fill in the suture. If there is no separation of the suture then waiting as long would not be as beneficial. A good indicator that the suture was separated is if you now have a space between your two front teeth you didn't have before.
Either way, the day you remove the expander you should have a clear retainer made to hold until you receive the first Invisalign tray. In your case the retainer tray should not be horseshoe shaped. The retainer should cover the roof of your mouth to give more strength to fight the relapse potential.
If you are a mouth breather once treatment is over you should plan on wearing your retainer more diligently than most the rest of your life. It is probable you will have more of a tendency for relapse than others. Hopefully night only wearing will suffice.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 1, 2011
Answer: There is always relapse
At age 21 there is a good chance that the suture down the middle of your palate is not separated. It could be separated but there is a large chance that the expansion all came from tipping the teeth towards your cheek. If the suture is separated it is wise to leave the expander in for three months to allow bone to fill in the suture. If there is no separation of the suture then waiting as long would not be as beneficial. A good indicator that the suture was separated is if you now have a space between your two front teeth you didn't have before.
Either way, the day you remove the expander you should have a clear retainer made to hold until you receive the first Invisalign tray. In your case the retainer tray should not be horseshoe shaped. The retainer should cover the roof of your mouth to give more strength to fight the relapse potential.
If you are a mouth breather once treatment is over you should plan on wearing your retainer more diligently than most the rest of your life. It is probable you will have more of a tendency for relapse than others. Hopefully night only wearing will suffice.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful