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Traditionally, rapid palatal expanders are most effective in children and teens because their bones are still malleable. The Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE) is an orthodontic device designed to treat the narrow upper jaw (maxilla) in mature patients. If the maxillary bone is disproportionately narrow, it may restrict the airway and cause crooked/crowded teeth. The Maxillary Skeletal Expander uses 4 microimplants that are bicortically engaged in the posterior region of the palate. This feature contributes to the effectiveness of the appliance in opening the midpalatal and circummaxillary sutures and promoting a more superior and posterior expansion.
The Maxillary Skeletal Expander applies force directly to the bone, which splits the fused mid palatal suture, resulting in transverse expansion of the nasal airway. This device offers a mild alternative to jaw surgery, particularly for adults seeking solutions other than CPAP, or sleep aid devices that only offer temporary band-aid solutions.
Adult patients can expect life changing results, both functionally and aesthetically. The expansion not only improves the dental arches but also often results in defined cheekbones and improved facial symmetry. This makes the Maxillary Skeletal Expander an attractive option for adults looking to improve both their bite, oral health and appearance. Patients often notice a wider, more harmonious smile and better breathing due to the increased airway space following the procedure.
The Maxillary Skeletal Expander is generally well-tolerated by most patients. While some discomfort is normal during the activation phase, such as mild pressure in the upper jaw, these symptoms typically subside within a few days. Many patients find that the discomfort from the MSE is less severe than that associated with traditional teenager expanders, as the pressure is distributed more evenly across the skeletal structure, not just the teeth.
At Smiles ON Orthodontics, we have been at the forefront of this breakthrough. Dr. Ney & Dr. Ozge are up to date on this technique and have authored several articles related to the Maxillary Skeletal Expander.
Studies from Dr. Ney & Dr. Ozge regarding the Maxillary Skeletal Expander:
- Nonsurgical maxillary orthopedic protraction treatment for an adult patient with hyperdivergent facial morphology, Class III malocclusion, and bilateral crossbite
- Breathing changes following mini-implant-supported maxillary skeletal expander treatment in late adolescent or adult patients : Assessment of objective and subjective functional breathing changes
- Long-term effects of maxillary skeletal expander treatment on functional breathing
- Pattern of microimplant displacement during maxillary skeletal expander treatment: A cone-beam computed tomography study
- Non-surgical management of extreme vertical problems with micro-implants
- Tomographic assessment of palatal suture opening pattern and pterygopalatine suture disarticulation in the axial plane after midfacial skeletal expansion
- An assessment of the magnitude, parallelism, and asymmetry of micro-implant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion in non-growing patients
- Differential assessment of skeletal, alveolar, and dental components induced by microimplant-supported midfacial skeletal expander (MSE), utilizing novel angular measurements from the fulcrum
- Long Term Skeletal, Alveolar, and Dental Expansion Effects of the Midfacial Skeletal Expander
- Premolar and molar inclination changes following micro-implant-assisted maxillary skeletal expander (MSE): A three-dimensional analysis and visualization
- Defining Fulcrums for Craniofacial Structures with Midfacial Skeletal Expander (MSE) Treatment and Applying Novel Angular Measurement System for Accurate Assessments
Benefits of a Maxillary Skeletal Expander
A treatment plan with a Maxillary Skeletal Expander creates space to provide the following:
- Improved airway and respiratory function
- Alleviated symptoms of sleep apnea
- Open nasal cavity spaces
- Allow room for the tongue
- Relieve crowding issues and crossbites
- Alternative to surgery
At Smiles ON Orthodontics, we are committed to providing our patients with the best in orthodontic care, and the MSE expander is one of our most effective treatments. If you're considering maxillary expansion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ney & Dr. Ozge’s team today to discuss how this advanced technology can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.