Skeletal Expander (Hyrax)
The skeletal expander (Hyrax, Rapid Palatal Expander, Banded Expander) is a very important part of orthodontic treatment. The expander helps increase the growth, thus widening the upper arch. It is used to carefully broaden the upper jaw by exerting lateral pressure on the two halves of the maxilla (upper jaw) in patients with a narrow upper jaw. If done properly, bone grows in the middle and a once-constricted maxilla can attain proper width to improve the bite. Expanding the maxilla may also help to create space for eruption of permanent teeth. This device can correct skeletal/dental problems that if left untreated, would require jaw surgery to correct later in life.
The device is fixed, and consists of rings that are cemented to six and four and a screw that rotates once a day unless otherwise stated.
The device rotates for a month, followed by a retention phase of 4-6 months after which the patient receives a transpalatal arch (TPA) which maintains the situation and a fixed device.
What should expect from Rapid Maxillary Expansion?
- Patient may have excess salivation for the first 3-5 days.
- Speech may be slurred for the first few days. Once the tongue acclimates to the appliance- speech returns to normal.
- Patient may experience tightness or pressure at the middle of the roof of the mouth, under the nose, at the bridge of the nose, and/or under the cheekbones.
- Spacing between the front teeth and sometimes the back teeth may develop.