Anatomy Of Rapid Palatal Expander

A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is a structure fixed on the upper jaw of the mouth with an objective to expand the maxilla (upper jaw) wider. It is an appliance used in advanced orthodontic treatment for creating space between the upper jaw line lines. It is used to correct cross bites by developing space.

Who Need Rapid Palatal Expander?

If during an oral examination of your teeth dentist identifies that there your posterior teeth are overlapped, you may be recommended for a rapid palatal expander. In brief when your upper teeth fall on the inner parts of the lower teeth line in the rear part of your mouth, the condition of crossbite or overlapping of teeth arise.

Rapid Palatal Expander

Crossbite can be corrected using RPF as it may provoke the uneven development of the lower jaw. It is recommended to get this procedure done at a young age as after maturity the palatal tissues gets fused and it takes longer time to fix the problem.

In adults, the upper jaw is widened facilitating RPE and performing an oral surgery. The entire process is termed as Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (SARPE). In this operation the palatal tissues are broadened facilitating side releasing incisions in which the entire expansion is performed in one go.

How to Turn an Expander?

RPF activation can be performed by a guardian, parent or some other people. You cannot turn it on your own.

You would be provided with a tiny wire to insert into the screw of the RPE having a small hole. This wire has a plastic gripper for better grip. Just ensure that the wire is linked with the handle so it doesn’t go into the patient’s throat.

Holding the wire using two fingers put the wire inside the outside hole of the expander and now revolves it towards the rear portion of the mouth and let it stop when it reaches the end. Now pull out the wire from the back of the mouth.You can view a hole in the outer side to move the wire for the next turn.

The entire rotation of moving from front to back is termed as one turn. Generally you need to turn the RPE one or two times a day and continue this process for several days. After some days the orthodontist examines your expander to find if further turns are required. If it is not required, he will ask you to stop turning the expander any more.

How long Should RPE be Used?

Once your orthodontist examines and says that the expander has been turned sufficiently, and crossbite situation has been removed, the RPE is left inside the mouth for nearly three months to close the palatal tissues with new bone structure and also to make it firm. Early removal of RPE may lose some width gained through the expansion.

Palatal Expander Types

Usually there are two kinds of RPEs.

Hyrax Palatal Expanders – This expander can be kept clean by the patient.

Tissue Borne Expander – It is also known as Haas Expander made of acrylic. This expander is difficult to clean as large quantity of food get stuck between the palate and the acrylic. The gum tissues get inflamed and may swell leading to discomfort.

There is one more category of palatal expander, which can be termed as a removable palatal expander. It can be fixed and removed by the wearer. But such expanders are quite ineffective and often do not get the bony orthopedic setting, except tipping of rear teeth.  This type of expander is often facilitated in a few instances but not to expand the central palatal suture.

Problems Associated with RPE

The associated problems could be that one portion may come out loose. During the expansion the RPE may come out of the teeth. If you wiggle the expansion it may go loose.

Often after turning the expansion, you can receive nose bleed. Albeit, it is quite rare you should be aware of. As you are widening the palatal tissues that act as the ground of your nose, your nose may bleed. Once the bleeding is controlled you may get further treatment.

Precautions with Expander

You should avoid eating some food items like hard and sticky food. You should also brush your expander while brushing your teeth. Pay special attention to the center and sides of the expander. If you find some food particle lodged you should try to remove it by cleaning your mouth with water or using a brush.

Correct use of RPE requires consultant from an orthodontics having experience in performing such kind of treatment. Above things should be taken care of while using RPE for its positive impact, without any side harm to your teeth.

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Dental Fillings

Why live with painful and unsightly cavities when you can have them filled by our dentists in a painless procedure!
In order to repair a cavity, the decayed portion of your tooth will be removed by your dentist. The portion of the tooth occupied by the decayed material will then be filled. Fillings are utilised to repair teeth that are broken, cracked, or that have cavities.

What Are The Steps For Filling Teeth?
Initially, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the area that surrounds the tooth. Novocaine is normally used. Then, a drill, laser, or air abrasion will be utilised to remove the area that is decayed. The type of instrument that is used will depend on the preference and training of your dentist, along with the extent and location of the tooth decay.

Your dentist will then test and probe the area of decay to ensure that all decayed material has been removed. After the removal of the decay, the space to be occupied by the filling will be cleaned so that all debris and bacteria are removed. If the area of the decay is close to the root, a liner constructed of a composite resin, glass ionomer or other type of material may be used in order to provide protection to the nerve. After the insertion of the filling, it will be finished and polished.

Additional steps are needed for fillings that are tooth-coloured. Subsequent to the removal of decay and cleaning of the area, the material that is tooth-coloured will be applied in layers. A specially designed light that hardens or cures each layer is used. After the completion of the multi-layering procedure, the composite material will be shaped by your dentist, excess material will be trimmed, and it will be polished.


Filling Materials Used
There are several types of filling materials that are currently available. Teeth may be filled with porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-coloured composite resins. Silver amalgam is comprised of mercury with tin, silver, copper, and zinc mixed with it. The extent and location of the cavity, expense of filling material, insurance coverage of the patient, and the recommendation of the dentist will determine the kind of filling material that will best suit your needs

Gold Fillings
Pros

  • Extremely durable – will usually last for the life of the patient. Will not corrode.
  • Strength – Can withstand almost any chewing forces
  • Aesthetics – Some people prefer the look of gold to sliver amalgam

Cons

  • Expense – more costly than other types of material. Can be 10 X more costly than amalgam
  • Multiple Office Visits – requires a minimum of two visits
  • Aesthetics – some patients don’t like its appearance

Silver Amalgam Fillings
Pros

  • Durability – Normally lasts longer than composites. Normally lasts ten to fifteen years or more.
  • Strength – able to withstand all chewing forces
  • Expense – costs less than gold or composite fillings

Cons

  • Generally poor aesthetics – natural colour of teeth is not matched
  • Requires more space – A portion of the tooth that is healthy must be removed, at times, to provide a large enough area for the amalgam filling.
  • Discolouration – a hue that is greyish may be imparted to the adjacent tooth structure
  • Fractures and Cracks – All teeth expand and contract with temperature changes, which can cause cracking. However, amalgam materials may expand and contract to a greater extent than other materials, leading to an increased incidence of fractures and cracks.
  • Allergies – approximately 1% of patients have allergies to the mercury that is in silver amalgam

Composite Fillings – Tooth Coloured
Pros

  • Aesthetics – composites can be closely matched to the colour of the patient’s teeth. They are particularly useful for teeth that are visible
  • Bonding – composite fillings will bond chemically with a tooth and provide structural support to the tooth
  • Versatile – can also be utilised in the repair of broken, worn, or chipped teeth
  • Space requirement – at times less tooth material is needed to be removed in comparison to silver amalgam fillings when preparing a space for this filling.

Cons

  • Reduced durability – Composite fillings do not last as long as amalgams or gold. In addition, they often don’t hold up as well under the pressure of use, particularly if they are used to fill large cavities.
  • Takes Longer – due to the process needed to fill a tooth with composite materials, it takes longer in the dentists chair to place them.
  • More than one visit – if composites are being used for onlays or inlays, it may require more than one office visit
  • Chipping – composite materials are more likely to chip than amalgams
  • Cost – composite filling may cost twice as much as amalgam fillings

Additional Filling Materials
In addition to composite resins that are tooth coloured, there are two other types of tooth-coloured fillings. Glass ionomer and ceramics.

Glass Ionomer
This material is constructed of a specific type of glass and acrylic. It is commonly utilised on fillings that are beneath the gum line and for young children. This material releases fluoride, which may protect a tooth from additional decay. Nevertheless, glass ionomer is not as strong as composite resin and more prone to fracture and wear. It normally lasts for five years or less and the expense is similar to composites.

Ceramics
Usually constructed of porcelain. Ceramics are stain resistant, compared to composites, but are more abrasive. Ceramics are very durable, and usually last for 15 years or more, but, they are costly, and the expense can be similar to gold.

Porcelain Crown & Veneers

Rejuvenate Your Smile with Porcelain Crown and Veneers from Monash Dental Group
Remember; beautiful and aesthetically appealing cosmetic dentistry is not a matter of chance; it demands an experienced clinician who is sensitive to your unique needs and an expert dental ceramist who leverages the art and science of dentistry to deliver optimal results. At Monash Dental Group, we boast an expert team of experienced cosmetic dentists, who have extensive experience in fitting patients with porcelain veneers and crowns. Our first-class porcelain veneers and crowns are highly effective for your unique functional and cosmetic needs.

At Monash Dental Group, our products are expertly crafted to compliment your age, gender, expectations, and facial features. We leverage the expertise of the best dental ceramists to guarantee that the veneers and crowns are of premium quality, resilient, and possess excellent craftsmanship. We work diligently to provide you with a top-quality product that beautifully compliments your face, while simultaneously restoring the function and aesthetics of your natural teeth.

Porcelain Veneers
Typically, porcelain veneers are a form of thin laminates of chinaware that are securely bonded to the surface of the tooth. For diverse dental problems, it is one of the most aesthetically appealing means of enhancing your smile. Veneers are one of the most popular treatments for restoration of chips, spaces, fractures, unshapely and discoloured teeth, or misaligned and rotated teeth. They deliver an unmatched cosmetic makeover that allows alteration of shape, position, size, and the colour of your teeth. Monash Dental Group boasts experienced cosmetic dentists who deliver exceptional results with porcelain veneers. We feature:

  • Dramatic yet aesthetically beautiful and natural cosmetic dental enhancement
  • Durable, high quality, and permanent
  • Enhanced self esteem

The procedure typically requires two appointments. At first, the tooth is prepared for minimal reduction to make enough space for the porcelain veneer. A mould of the tooth is taken for fabrication, which takes approximately 2 weeks. In the next visit, the permanent veneer is bonded in place.

Crowns
Crowns are a rigid and strong cap that restores the tooth to its natural function and anatomic contours, as well as protects the underlying tooth. In certain conditions, where veneers are not possible, crowns are a suitable option. Some of the scenarios in which crowns may be used include tooth fractures, large restorations, functionally compromised teeth, history of root canal therapy, and acute damage due to decay. There are a wide range of choices available in crowns and bridges.

Dental crown procedures take just two appointments, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums. First, the tooth is prepared for reduction and an impression is taken for fabrication. A temporary, plastic crown in fitted while the mould is being fabricated. In the next visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is secured permanently into position. The fabrication procedure may take time depending on the type of crown.

Monash Dental Group is an expert in crowns and veneers, delivering matchless quality and desired results. The key benefits are:

  • Extensive protection and support to the compromised or damaged teeth
  • Natural and aesthetically enhanced appearance
  • Restoration of full functions and a confident smile

Contact the professionals at Monash Dental Group for more details on porcelain veneers and crowns. We guarantee excellent quality and fantastic results in a cost-effective manner.