Jaw expansion appliances for adults in braces? i've been told by 3 different orthodontists that due to overcrowding i need to have either 4 bicuspids pulled or have orthognathic surgery. they all told me i need to decide before i get the braces put on on

Adults : Adults can benefit from palatal expansion, but since all the growth sites are closed, it would require surgery for it to work. This procedure is limited to the upper arch and only nets you a small amount of space. Many orthodontists and oral surgeons can do a projection on how you may look after extractions and/or orthognathic surgery. Be aware, however, that your actual result may look considerably different than the projection.

Dr : Dr bill hang in your area is an expert in adult orthodontic expansion. I believe that it has been a long time (or very rare) that surgery or extractions have been needed in his practice.

Correct: The issue may be one of a narrow upper jaw. Expansion may create additional space, but it can only be done in a way that matches up the upper jaw to the lower. If the jaw is already normal then over-expanding is not advised and removing teeth would be needed. In some patients a combination of both is needed. Speak with your orthodontist to clarify.

Maybe not!: We have been using a particular orthodontic appliance known as damon system to treat such cases with moderate to spectacular results without removal of teeth. I would recommend you eek out a damon provider with lots of experience to see if this option might work for you.

Caution: Seeking second opinions are an excellent way to proceed towards making an informed decision for what's best for you. The extraction of teeth is an evidenced-based approach that is superior treatment for patients with substantial crowding or protrusion. Typically, surgery and extractions are not interchangeable. In l.A., it might be advisable to visit an ortho dept. At usc, ucla, or loma linda.

Take advice: Three qualified specialist have all examined you and given you the same opinion. Take their advice. Select the practitioner you feel most comfortable with and follow his/her directions.