Transverse Maxillary Deficiency is a common orthodontic problem that can impact a person’s facial development, sleep, and eating. This issue is prevalent in both syndromic (conditions where a group of symptoms occur together) and non-syndromic (conditions not associated with multiple symptoms) patients.
Crossbite and dental crowding are two easily recognizable clinical signs of maxillary deficiency, which results from a skeletal issue in the upper jaw that causes an imbalance in the width of the upper and lower jaw bones.
In extreme cases, it is critical for an orthodontist to make craniofacial skeletal assessment as early as possible, as the early diagnosis of Transverse Maxillary Deficiency influences the effectiveness of treatment. The clinical situations in which maxillary expansion can be considered are:
- Crossbites
- Distal molar movement
- Functional appliance treatment
- Surgical cases (arch coordination/bone grafts)
- To aid maxillary protraction
- Mild crowding
In the absence of treatment solutions to balance the width of the upper and lower jaws, complications such as sleep apnea, difficulty eating, restricted airways, and an uneven appearance of the face, can arise from misaligned teeth. Treatments may include braces or Invisalign with appliances, surgical techniques, or a combination of both, depending on the size of the discrepancy, the age of the patient and other factors related to the dentition.
Modern Treatment Solutions
In terms of modern treatment solutions, the appliances and surgical methods available for producing maxillary expansion are:
- Removable appliances
- Quadhelix
- Rapid maxillary expansion (RME)
- Fixed appliances (e.g. archwires, auxiliary archwires and cross elastics)
- Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE)
- Segmental Le Fort 1 Osteotomy (Segmental maxillary surgery)
Surgical expansion techniques are generally considered in skeletally mature individuals with significant crowding or other transverse discrepancies.
Regardless of a patient’s age, finding an orthodontist who is reputable, one you trust, to effectively treat transverse maxillary deficiency can be daunting. For those in the Southern California region seeking a knowledgeable orthodontist who specializes in early treatment for children, as well as treatment for adults, Dr. Mario Paz is a leader in the orthodontic field and is accepting new patients.
The Right Treatment For You
As one of the top rated orthodontists in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Mario Paz creates a personalized treatment plan for each patient to match their unique needs, lifestyle, and goals. With over 20 years of experience using the latest technology to create beautiful smiles and a friendly staff that ensures excellent patient care, his reputation throughout Southern California for delivering a great experience is unmatched.
Having teeth not centered can not only cause cosmetic issues, it can lead to more serious health complications for patients. To get more information on treatment solutions or to request an appointment, contact the office of Dr. Paz today.