Early interceptive orthodontic treatment is not needed for everyone but in some cases it can be greatly beneficial towards your oral health for a lifetime. Although palate expansion is not necessary for all children there are some pretty amazing benefits. We are finding more evidence that maxillary constriction can be a factor in airway restriction in children and adults. The effects of a maxillary expander can include an increase in nasal airway and improved respiratory function.
Early orthodontic treatment, also called phase I orthodontic treatment, is designed to help young children who still have some of their primary teeth. By using an Expansion Appliance at this age, we can expand the upper palate to make room for the permanent teeth waiting to erupt. Another benefit of expansion is an increase in the nasal airway and improved respiratory function.