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What Is a Palatal Expander and Why Is It Needed?

What Is a Palatal Expander and Why Is It Needed?

What is a palatal expander?

gif courtesy of giphy.com

gif courtesy of giphy.com

A palatal expander is an appliance that is used to widen the upper jaw. Other names for it include rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander, orthodontic expander, Haas, or Hyrax.

This device is custom made for each patient from molds taken of their mouth. It fits on the upper teeth towards the back of the mouth. It is made of two halves that are secured together by a screw in the middle. The screw is turned with a special key, usually once or twice per day for a set period of time. This turning is done by the patient or caregiver, and usually, causes only minor discomfort for a brief period.

As the appliance expands, via each turn, the pressure is placed on the bones on the top of the mouth, the palate. The palate is made up of two bones that do not fully fuse together until the teenage years. Thus, the palatal expander helps the bones to move apart while forming new bone growth, which will help the upper jaw increase in size.

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Teeth-friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 4: Bananas

Teeth-friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 4: Bananas

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The Power of Bananas

Most of us know that we need to get more fruit in our diets, and given their convenience and numerous health benefits, bananas are often our “go to” fruit snack. Bananas are high in:

  • Potassium – to ease muscle cramping
  • Vitamin B6 – to help in weight loss, bolster the nervous system, and help produce white blood cells
  • Fiber – to help digestive functions

However, is a banana a smart choice for your teeth?

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Teeth-Friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 3: Kiwifruit

Teeth-Friendly Fruits & Vegetables No. 3: Kiwifruit

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Routinely brushes as well as flossing are crucial for maintaining overall dental health. What may not be as largely stressed, however, is the importance of a healthy diet. Healthy foods contain many nutrients that are designed to combat various diseases, infections, and common tooth ailments such as decay and plaque. Fruits and vegetables arm the body with antioxidants that in turn work to protect our teeth and gums. Fluoride and other measures are also important for strengthening our teeth, but the most powerful effects can be found when we make the right food choices for ourselves.

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