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1.Purpose of Expanders in Growing Children

• Palate Expansion: Expanders are often used to widen the upper jaw (palate) in children whose jaws are still growing. This can help create more space for teeth, especially if there are issues with overcrowding or crossbites.

• Improved Bite: By expanding the palate, an expander can also help improve bite issues like a crossbite (where the upper teeth don't align properly with the lower teeth).

2. Advantages of Using Expanders in Growing Children

• More Effective in Younger Patients: Children's bones are still growing, so it's easier to gently widen the jaw. This can often be done without the need for surgery or more complex treatments later.

• Non-Surgical Solution: In many cases, expanders can reduce the need for more invasive treatments like surgery or tooth extractions to create space for permanent teeth.

• Improved Facial Aesthetics: Expanding the jaw can improve the overall facial appearance by balancing the upper and lower jaw proportions.

3. Types of Expanders

• Palatal Expanders: These are the most common type and are placed in the roof of the mouth to gradually widen the palate.

• Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPE): These are typically used in younger children for more rapid expansion.

4. Considerations

• Age: The ideal age for using an expander is generally between 7-12 years old, when the jaw is still developing. However, each child is different, and the best timing will depend on their unique growth pattern and dental needs.

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. Here's how the process works:

    1.    Initial Consultation: Dr. Azizi evaluates your teeth and creates a treatment plan. This includes mapping out the desired tooth movements using 3D imaging technology.

    2.    Custom Aligners: Based on Dr. Azizi's treatment plan, a series of aligners are designed to fit your teeth precisely. Each aligner is worn for about 1–2 weeks and is slightly different from the last, gently moving your teeth closer to the final desired position.

    3.    Gradual Shifting: As you wear each set of aligners, they apply controlled pressure on specific teeth, gradually moving them into the right alignment. Since the aligners are custom-designed, they ensure that each tooth shifts in the most effective way.

    4.    Progress Tracking: Regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure the treatment is progressing as planned. Adjustments are made if necessary.

    5.    Final Result: After completing the series of aligners (usually in about 12-18 months), your teeth should be aligned as per the initial plan. Retainers are often used afterward to maintain the new position of your teeth.

Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way to straighten teeth, and because the aligners are removable, it allows for easier eating, brushing, and flossing compared to traditional braces.

Please call our office today to start your Invisalign journey!

Glenside: 215-576-6414 Ambler: 215-646-9514

Braces move teeth through the application of constant, gentle pressure over time. Here's how the process works:

    1.    Braces Components: Braces consist of brackets (attached to the teeth), archwires (that connect the brackets), and sometimes elastic bands. These components work together to apply pressure to the teeth.

    2.    Pressure on Teeth: When the archwire is adjusted, it applies pressure to the teeth. The brackets hold the archwire in place, and the wire is usually tightened during regular orthodontic visits.

    3.    Bone Remodeling: The constant pressure causes changes in the bone structure around the teeth. On the side of the tooth where pressure is applied, the bone begins to break down and reabsorb. On the opposite side, where there is less pressure, new bone starts to form, allowing the tooth to move into the desired position.

    4.    Slow and Gradual Movement: Teeth don't move instantly; it can take months or even years for them to shift into proper alignment. The gradual movement is important for the bone and tissues around the teeth to adapt to the changes.

    5.    Adjustments: Throughout the treatment, the orthodontist makes regular adjustments to the braces to ensure the pressure is applied correctly and that the teeth move toward their final position.

Ultimately, braces rely on slow, controlled movement, allowing the teeth and supporting structures (such as bone and gums) to adjust safely.

In orthodontics, IPR stands for Interproximal Reduction. It refers to a procedure where small amounts of enamel are gently removed from between the teeth to crate space. This is often done to help with alignment, improve the bite, or facilitate the movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Here's why and how it's used:

Why IPR is performed:
1. Create Space: When there's crowding of teeth, IPR can create enough space for the teeth to align properly.
2. Improve Bite: It can help adjust the way the upper and lower teeth come together, improving occlusion.
3. Aesthetic Reasons: Sometimes, it's used to make the teeth appear straighter by reducing slight overlaps.

How it's done:
. Selective Shaping: The dentist or orthodontist uses specialized instruments to remove a small amount of enamel from the contact points between teeth (the areas where teeth touch each other.) The procedure is usually quick, painless, and minimally invasive.
. Safety: The amount of enamel removed is very small and typically doesn't affect the tooth's overall structure or strength.

IPR is often used as an alternative to extracting teeth in cases where extra space is needed for alignment, though the decision to use IPR depends on the individual patient's case.