Fixed expander – a non-removable orthodontic appliance for bite correction.
What is a non-removable appliance?
A non-removable appliance is a fixed structure, mainly on the upper jaw, used to correct the bite. The patient wears the appliance throughout treatment and cannot remove it on their own.
What does a fixed expander look like?
The appliance can be of different types, depending on the anomaly. It depends on the child’s age and how their jaws are developing. Every appliance has a screw in the middle, which the parent activates.
When are these appliances effective?
-When the patient lacks space for permanent teeth.
-When the upper jaw is narrow.
-When nasal breathing is difficult.
How does a fixed expander work?
-It widens the upper jaw by 10-11 mm.
-It increases the volume of the nasal cavity, which is very important for breathing problems.
-It creates space in the dental arch for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
-Widening the upper jaw also leads to spontaneous widening of the lower jaw.
What are the advantages of early orthodontic treatment with fixed expanders?
-This treatment does not require the patient’s cooperation.
-The upper jaw is widened quickly and effectively.
-The appliance is non-removable and stays fixed in the mouth throughout treatment.
-The patient cannot remove it, so they cannot lose it either.
-Permanent teeth erupt more correctly and better.
-It is especially effective in children with breathing problems (mouth breathing).
When does the use of this appliance begin?
Mainly from age 6-8.
