Functional Orthodontics and Expansion with Clear Aligners
Functional orthodontics focuses on guiding the growth and alignment of the jaws and teeth to improve both oral function and facial aesthetics. One of the key goals is to create more room for the tongue, supporting proper oral posture, airway function, and overall facial development.
At our office, we use clear aligner therapy (CandidPro or Invisalign) as a non-surgical expansion option, which can achieve up to approximately 6 mm of expansion. This approach allows for gradual widening of the dental arches while improving tooth alignment and bite, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
How It Works
- Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and gently guide expansion and alignment over time.
- Each successive aligner tray incrementally moves teeth and arches, creating additional space for the tongue and improving airway function.
- Treatment also encourages better jaw posture and overall oral function, which can have long-term benefits for facial development and bite stability.
Benefits
- Non-surgical, comfortable, and discreet
- Can create up to 6 mm of expansion
- Enhances aesthetics while improving function
- Supports airway health by giving the tongue adequate space
Surgical Expansion Options
For cases that require more extensive expansion beyond what clear aligners can achieve, there are surgical options available, which we can educate you about, including:
- MARPE or MASPE (minimally invasive skeletal expanders)
- Dome expansion
- Maxillary and mandibular advancement procedures
While we do not perform these surgical procedures in-office, we can provide guidance and referrals to qualified specialists.
Take Action
Functional orthodontics with clear aligners is an effective, non-surgical way to expand the arches, improve bite and facial aesthetics, and support healthy airway function. Schedule a consultation to see if this approach is right for you or your child and learn about your personalized treatment options.