Skeletal Expansion in Newport Beach, CA
Widening the underlying jaw structure, not just moving the teeth outward.
What Is Skeletal Expansion?
Skeletal expansion is an orthodontic approach designed to widen the underlying jaw structure, not just move the teeth outward. Paul Sokolowski, DDS provides skeletal expansion evaluations in Newport Beach, California, for children and teens with narrow arches, crossbites, crowding or growth patterns that may require more than dental expansion alone.
Skeletal expansion focuses on increasing the width of the jaw by influencing the bone structure during growth. In younger children, the upper jaw may respond well to traditional palatal expansion; in older patients, more advanced expansion approaches may be considered.
Signs Skeletal Expansion May Be Needed
A skeletal expansion consultation may be helpful if your child or teen has:
Dental vs. Skeletal Expansion, and How It's Treated
Skeletal Expansion vs. Dental Expansion
Dental expansion primarily moves teeth within the dental arch. Skeletal expansion aims to widen the jaw itself. Both can be useful, but they are not the same.
What Appliances Are Used
The appliance depends on age, anatomy and treatment goals, and may include traditional palatal expanders, rapid palatal expanders, MSE, or MARPE appliances. Our Orthodontics will explain the recommended appliance and what to expect during treatment.
Related Expansion Services
Depending on your child's needs, our Orthodontics may discuss expansion, phase one orthodontics, phase two orthodontics, MSE, MARPE or expanders.
Skeletal Expansion FAQs
Skeletal expansion is orthodontic treatment designed to widen the jaw structure, especially the upper jaw, rather than only moving teeth outward.
A palatal expander may create skeletal expansion in growing children, but not all expansion is skeletal. Some appliances mainly move teeth. Dr. Sokolowski can explain the difference based on your child's diagnosis.
Paul Sokolowski, DDS evaluates the orthodontic and skeletal expansion needs. Rita Daghlian, DDS may help assess pediatric oral development, oral habits and airway-related concerns that could influence treatment planning.
Yes. MSE and MARPE are expansion approaches that may be used when more skeletal support is needed, especially in certain older patients.