Anterior Guided Expansion
Eliminate the Pain and Discomfort of Surgery
A guided expansion appliance can help guide the expansion of the jaw to create the optimal space for teeth.
An anterior guided expansion appliance functions by gently stimulating the nerves of the palate to expand the jaws or narrow palate without the need for surgical procedures. This method eliminates the pain and discomfort typically associated with surgery. As a result, the jaw is expanded, the airway is enlarged, the midface undergoes full development, and there is increased space to accommodate permanent teeth. A beautiful, healthy smile is achieved. In the past, jaw surgery was the go-to solution, but advancements in dentistry have introduced a nonsurgical alternative, a removable anterior guided expansion appliance. These appliances can effectively guide the jaws without causing any pain, making them an excellent treatment option for both children and adults.
Treating Children
The ideal time to initiate orthodontic treatment is actually before the facial bones and jaw stop growing. Early intervention allows for the specific targeting of expansion, creating enough space for the adult teeth to emerge. This preventive measure prevents oral and overall health problems from arising in adulthood. By expanding the upper jaw to reach its full potential, the lower jaw can also attain its intended size. This enables both jaws to function properly without straining the jaw joints. If your child is displaying symptoms mentioned above or experiencing imbalances in the face and jaw, consider orthodontics as a preventive measure. Children who can benefit from guided expansion appliances often exhibit the following problems breathing, including mouth breathing or an open-mouth resting posture, poor oral resting posture, problems with proper tongue posture, a tongue tie or lip tie, speech delays or speech impediments, sleep apnea or other sleep-breathing disorder, behavior disorders, interrupted growth, forward head posture, and sore throat or enlarged tonsils.
Treating Adults
Many people believe that orthodontic treatment is exclusively for children or teens. However, this is no longer the case. In fact, approximately 25 percent of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment are adults. These patients are seeking advanced orthodontic care as adults because they either missed out on braces or experienced orthodontic relapse over the years. Conventional orthodontics primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance of the smile, disregarding issues related to jaw or facial growth and development. Consequently, many adult patients are turning to anterior-guided expansion appliances to address these concerns and achieve the smile they have always desired. Many adults undergoing treatment with a guided expansion appliance also appreciate the positive effects it has on their appearance and report an improved smile, corrected midface deficiency, improved facial structure, more youthful appearance, balanced profile, and more confidence.
Midface Development
Dr. Endsley can explain the easy-to-understand application of epigenetic dentistry. It makes so much sense that an underdeveloped skeletal structure is responsible for so many chronic illnesses, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and sleep apnea, while at the same time affecting your appearance. Now, cutting-edge dental science can overcome the negative effects the environment has had on a person’s jaw development. Epigenetic dentistry can change your look positively, improve your airway and eliminate future TMJD problems. At Legends Dental, we bring you technology that can change your life in a matter of months. Learn more about what epigenetic dentistry can do for you by scheduling a consultation today.
TMJD Treatment
Additionally, some individuals choose this treatment to address sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). TMJD occurs due to stress on the jaw joints caused by an imbalance between the upper and lower jaws. This condition can lead to symptoms such as clicking or popping in the jaws, jaw stiffness, limited jaw function, headaches and migraines, ear pain, vertigo, and pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. By helping the jaws reach their full potential, this treatment reduces stress on the jaw joints, allowing patients to live a pain-free life.
Sleep Apnea
when the upper jaw fails to reach its proper size or the lower jaw is set too far back, the airway can become constricted, potentially leading to sleep breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious health condition affecting millions of Americans, characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. It is often undiagnosed or untreated, increasing the risk of various health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairments, and mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Consequences of Jaw Development Issues
The most common consequences of interrupted jaw development include:
- Overbites and underbites (in which the lower teeth stick out)
- Crossbites, or bites that “overjet”
- Crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and not enough room for adult permanent teeth
- Impacted teeth (teeth that do not have room to erupt)
- Jaw problems, such as TMJD
- Sleep breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea
- An underdeveloped, weak chin or a chin that is set far back, causing the face to look unbalanced
- A sunken appearance
- Premature aging of the face around the mouth and nose
- Head pain, neck pain, and facial pain
- Chronic headaches and migraine
- Poor posture
- Increased risk of chronic illness
Can the Jaw Be Remodeled?
The jaw can be specifically expanded using an anterior-guided expansion appliance. This appliance can pinpoint expansion in adults and redirect it in children, bringing balance to the jaw and the overall structure of the face.
Learn More About AGEA
If you want to learn more about this treatment approach and how it can benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment goals. It is never too late to pursue orthodontic care and achieve the smile you deserve.