Get your smile corrected with the HAAS Expander

Malocclusion is a major letdown that may not let you to fully express that smile. Having a crooked smile can make you feel too conscious when you talk, smile, pose for photographs, and generally interact with people. Even the thought of attending social gatherings can make you feel worried! Such is the negative impact malocclusion can have on you.

Various treatment options are available to get malocclusion treated. Some of them are metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, etc. However, one of the lesser-known orthodontic appliances that can have a significant positive impact on the alignment of the teeth is the HAAS expander. It is also known as a palatal expander.

What is a HAAS expander?

A HAAS expander is an oral appliance that is fitted in the oral cavity by a dentist. It helps to gradually widen the upper jaw by applying pressure on the molars in a controlled manner. This allows the teeth of the upper and lower jaws to align while opening and closing the mouth.

Design of a HAAS expander

A HAAS expander consists of an acrylic plate that is fabricated to perfectly fit on the roof of the mouth (palate). A bone screw is embedded in the middle of the acrylic plate that can be tightened or loosened to apply pressure on the molars. Customized wires that are attached to the plates are fixed to the teeth and help to hold it in place.

Treatment

The dentist takes a mold of the teeth and the palate. The dentist then uses this data to fabricate the palatal expander. Once the expander is fabricated, the dentist would carefully fit it in place and ensure you’re comfortable wearing it. The expander will be tightened to just the right level so that pressure is applied to the teeth in a controlled manner. The bone screw will have to be tightened every day as per the instructions of the dentist. This is done in order to increase the pressure applied on the teeth and to expand the upper jaw even more. Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment period may last between a few weeks to a few months. After the expander is removed, a retainer may have to be used to prevent relapse.

Get in touch with us, and we would suggest the right type of HAAS expander to suit your condition. Call our office at 707-428-3200 or request an appointment online.