What is Orthodontic Jaw Expansion?
Orthodontics involves the careful movement and alignment of teeth to improve both function and appearance. One important aspect of orthodontic treatment, particularly in younger patients, is jaw expansion. Jaw expansion refers to the process of widening the upper or lower jaw to create more space in the mouth. This helps to prevent or correct crowding, improve bite alignment, and support better facial development.
When the jaw is too narrow or underdeveloped, there may not be enough room for all the adult teeth to grow in properly. This can lead to crooked or overlapping teeth, misaligned bites, and even issues with breathing, speech, or jaw function. Expanding the jaw creates the space needed for teeth to move into their ideal positions — sometimes even eliminating the need for extractions or more complex orthodontic treatment later on.
Early Treatment is Key!
Signs you might need Orthodontics
Crossbites
when the upper and lower teeth do not line up correctly
Narrow or V-shaped jaws
the arch of the jaw appears pinched or small
Large overjets
where the upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth
Mouth breathing or snoring
which may be linked to a constricted airway due to jaw size
Speech difficulties
such as lisping or unclear pronunciation
Early loss of baby teeth
which may affect how permanent teeth erupt
Our Orthodontic Philosophy
Orthodontics is not just simply about straightening teeth. Here at Dental at Keys, we aim to create a beautiful full smiles. We pay particular attention to the curvature, width and height of the smile. All of these aspects involve a lot more work than just straight teeth. The last thing we want for you is to have a flat straight smile (ie. Denture smile).
We also pay great attention to the profile of your face. Not only should your smile be full, but your facial profile should match it is as well. There is no point in extracting teeth in a patient who already has a sunken profile. Similarly, patients with lips that are too full should not have this worsen. This is why we say we treat the face, and not just the teeth.
Types of Orthodontic Jaw Expansion we offer:
Maxillary Expansion (also known as RME)
Our top jaw (Maxilla) is made of two separate bones joined together by a line (mid-palatal suture). When we are young the bones have not fused together, and therefore we are able to stretch the two bones apart. This forms a gap between the bones which with time fills up with bone. When your top jaw is narrow, or if there is insufficient room for all your permanent teeth to fit into your top jaw, your dentist may prescribe a fixed or removable maxillary expander. The expander sits around your first molars and can extend to some of your teeth further forward. The expander may or may not have a layer of plastic covering your upper back teeth. The timing of upper expansion is crucial and is typically done in younger patients aged 7 to 10.
Mandibular Expansion
Likewise, your lower jaw can also be expanded, to a certain extent and prior to the eruption of your lower adult canine teeth.
Sagittal Expansion
Another version of expansion uses the incisal suture to push the front or back of your jaws outward (or backwards). This is typically used in cases where there is sufficient sideways expansion but insufficient space for the teeth to come out (front to back
How do you make an Expander?
Depending on whether you need a Fixed (glued-in) or removal jaw expander, the process is fairly similar and involves:
- Moulds or scans are taken of your teeth.
- The jaw expander is made at our local orthodontic lab.
- If a fixed teeth expander is to be made, we will place separators (rubber rings) between your back teeth.
- Once the jaw expander is complete, we test the fit of the appliance and adjust it to fit your teeth. Fixed expanders will be glued-in at this appointment.
- You will attend regular appointments to monitor the appliance and expansion of your jaws – generally up to a period of 1 to 2 years.
Will I need any further treatment?
After treatment with a Orthodontic Expander, it is very likely that you will need to have further treatment such as braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth. Each case is different, and your dentist will inform you of your tailored treatment plan.
Not sure if you or your child need Jaw Expansion? It is something that requires specialized assessment so contact our team today for support!
Common Dental Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Jaw expander cost?
The cost depends on the length of treatment and number of appliances used. The cost for this can range from $1,000 (including all review appointments) for a simple appliance up to roughly $3,000 for more complex expanders.
Do you need to to refer me to a specialist to do my Orthodontics?
Whilst we are able to do most orthodontic work here at Dental at Keys (except braces), we occasionally may need to refer you to an Orthodontist.
Do I need to wear a retainer?
Yes, you must wear a retainer (for life) after your treatment is complete as your jaw expansion WILL relapse.
How long does Orthodontic treatment take?
This can range from a few months for cosmetic or simple cases to several years for complex cases.
