Can a child's lower jaw be expanded by orthodontics?

Yes, but...: The answer is a growing child can have jaw expansion mechanics done without surgery. The upper jaw is actually 2 bones (3 actually), and can be orthopedically expanded when necessary. The lower jaw is subject to only dental expansion, and then it is a function of how much. A qualified yes.

NO: The upper jaw has a growth suture which usually closes around 20 yrs. Old. This suture can be widened and new bone will grow in. There is no suture in the lower jaw to expand without surgery. The preponderance of the literature is conclusive showing that any dental expansion in the lower 6 front teeth will relapse and expansion of the back teeth will not gain more than 2 mm. Of space.

Qualified Yes: Lower jaw expansion is typically limited to dental expansion as opposed to skeletal or orthopedic expansion. Many of us have found that if done prior eruption of the lower cuspids ti remains stable, especially if accompanied by upper jaw expansion as well. As with many approaches, timing is key. I prefer to expand both jaws (if necessary) by age 9 years, and not expect too much in the lower.

No: As other doctors have answered, you can "expand" or push teeth outwards in the lower arch, but mandibular "jaw expansion" is absolutely unstable. So you can "expand, " but . . . Not for long.

No: The lower jaw is different from the rest of the craniofacial complex. The lower jaw is similar to a long bone (arm/leg). There is no suture in the mandible. It grows more like a long bone. Any expansion of the lower dental arch is simply dental expansion.

Yes and no: The answer to this question depends on the definition of expansion. Many lower arches are narrow due to the angulation or collapse of the teeth. Without question they can be up righted within the bone and that does provide much needed space. Is it stable?... There is little evidence that any very crooked tooth will be stable without long term assistance and retention.

No: Upper jaw is 2 separate bones that can be moved apart. Lower jaw is single bone with genetically determined width. Lower teeth can be expanded to the transverse limits of the lower jaw bone support, but the lower jaw itself cannot be expanded without surgery.

No: Lower jaws cannot be expanded. Any 'expansion' of the lower jaw to create additional space to unravel crooked teeth is really ''uprighting' of collapsed teeth over their alveolar bone (the bone that houses the teeth), and is therefore only dental expansion.

No: the upper jaw can be, but not the lower

Yes: Under certain circumstances there are ways to do that. Start with a consultation with a board certified Orthodontist. S(he) will tell you what's needed.