Lindsey Orthodontics offers high quality, comprehensive orthodontic treatment for your entire family. With locations in Locust Grove and Griffin, GA, orthodontist Dr. Charles A. Lindsey and all our staff are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles. Our office provides a full range of treatment solutions from braces and Invisalign to retention. We also offer treatment with Quad Helix Palatal Expanders—that’s why we want to offer you answers to some commonly asked questions!
1: When Should You Think About Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child?
Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) suggest that children schedule their first visit to the family dentist before age two, or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Many children are referred to our office by their dentist, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic screening by seven years old. Early treatment is important since the first adult molars typically begin to emerge by around age six. Early orthodontic intervention allows us to assess developmental markers, teeth and jaw alignment, and any potential spacing issues—we’ll work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan if necessary. Quad Helix Palatal expanders are a great way to correct these problems and establish more balanced growth and tooth eruption as children enter adolescence.
2: What Does a Quad Helix Palatal Expander Do?
A palatal expander typically helps to gently widen a narrow upper jaw over time, correcting any bone size problems, and making room for more teeth. It separates bones in the roof of the mouth, holding the bones in the modified position while solid bone develops, and forming the corrected palate and jaw structure. Since your child’s jaw bone is separated into two parts during development and fuses together after adolescence, a quad helix palatal expander is most effective when the jaw has not yet fully developed.
3: How Does a Quad Helix Palatal Expander Work?
The quad helix palatal expander is a simple orthodontic appliance with anchors cemented to the molar teeth and has four active springs that work to widen the arch of your child's mouth. The goal of the Quad Helix Expander is to decrease crowding of teeth and allow for a normal bite. Treatment with a quad helix palatal expander can typically take three to six months.
4: Why Is a Quad Helix Palatal Expander the Right Solution for Your Child?
Expanders can be used to treat a variety of common orthodontic problems including:
- Cross bite – when the top teeth fit inside the bottom teeth
- Severe crowding – when the jaw does not have enough space for all the permanent teeth
- Impacted teeth – used to create room for teeth that are stuck or impacted
- Protruding teeth – typically common among front teeth, and can be prone to chipping and fractures
- Bite issues – when the jaw grows unevenly, creating upper and lower bite issues
- Breathing issues – a narrow or deep upper jaw can make it difficult for a child to breathe through the nose, leading to mouth-breathing and other health issues.
In addition to decreasing the need for surgery, even if braces or other orthodontic appliances are necessary, total treatment time will be shorter and less complicated when combined with a quad helix palatal expander.
5: What Can Your Child Expect During Treatment?
It can take up to one to two weeks to adjust to your child’s quad helix palatal expander. Your child may feel some pressure or soreness immediately, especially on the tongue and the roof of the mouth, but this should fade over time. Palatal expanders can create mild discomfort as the upper jaw stretches and widens, most commonly causing minor headaches and jaw pain. Other side effects include:
- Sinus pressure – the feeling of increased sinus pressure in the head is common, as with headaches
- Front tooth gap – this is completely normal and is a sign that the expander is working as it should
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or eating – the tongue should adjust to the appliance over time
- Increased saliva – the production of saliva is increased during treatment but is normal
Tongue discomfort in the first week is the most common side-effect with quad helix palatal expanders—we rarely hear complaints of severe pain since the teeth and bones are gently and slowly being corrected.
6: Are There Dietary Restrictions?
There are some dietary restrictions for your child with a quad helix palatal expander, just like with braces. Some foods to avoid include sticky and hard foods as they can dislodge the expander. We recommend limiting sweetened drinks and not consuming any sticky or very hard foods, including popcorn, ice, chips, cobb corn, and most candies. Our office will provide you with a complete list of foods to avoid during treatment.
7: How Can my Child Maintain Oral Hygiene?
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to maintain overall health. When it comes to brushing and flossing your teeth while wearing an orthodontic appliance, you should make sure to thoroughly clean every tooth, paying careful attention to brush around and underneath the quad helix palatal expander. Floss at least once per day and brush as you would normally with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes at least twice per day. We recommend special tools like a water flosser or waterpik (oral irrigator) that can help you to more thoroughly clean the tiny spaces around the expander and dislodge any trapped food debris and wash away bacteria. You should also remember to brush your teeth after any meal or large snack—this prohibits food from becoming trapped and keeps harmful bacteria from forming. It is important to keep on top of your oral hygiene routine to avoid extra trips to the orthodontist for cleanings and adjustments.
Contact Your Local Orthodontist in Griffin or Locust Grove Today
If you want to know more about quad helix palatal expanders or any of our other treatment options, Lindsey Orthodontics is here to help you and your child with comprehensive orthodontic care. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us via email or call our offices directly in Griffin (770-228-1223) or Locust Grove (770-914-7994). You can also request an appointment with our easy online form. We’re excited to help you and your child get started on their journey towards a beautiful new smile today!