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Dentistry/Palate expander

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Expert: - 2/8/2009


Question
my daughter is 11 years old and she had her third upper tooth hidden and because of that her midline was misplaced. She started her palate expander three month ago. Doctor mentioned I should turn it once a day for two weeks. My next appointment was in 3 weeks and I turned it for 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks. Her upper jaw is now too forwarded with overbite situation. Is there any way we can push her jaw a little bit back? Is there any way with removing her expander to push her jaw back to its normal place and with removing tooth provide space for hidden tooth and fixing her midline? What should I do now?
Thank you so very much for your help.

Answer
The answer to these questions require some understanding of the jaw and tooth structure and the bite as well as the appliance design.  These are questions that your orthodontist should answer.  I recommend that you call on Monday and get some instructions.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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