
Appliances
Type Of Orthodontic Appliances
When we are young and still developing, the suture running down the center of the maxilla (or upper jaw) is cartilage. Since cartilage is pliable, we are able to use an expander to widen the maxilla and gain room for teeth in the mouth. When we stop growing, that cartilage becomes bone, and is no longer able to be manipulated with an expander. Using an expander when the patient is young is a great alternative to having permanent teeth extracted.