The topic of early expansion often sparks debate among parents and professionals alike. Is early intervention necessary? Does it prevent more extensive treatment later? Is it beneficial to the overall health of a child? Should we, as therapists, be recommending consults with airway-centric dentists at an early age?
What is Early Expansion?
The goal of early expansion is to grow the palate in three dimensions, not just one. Traditional expansion primarily focuses on the sagittal plane, but true expansion, which promotes adequate space for all teeth and allows for an uncompromised airway, addresses:
- Sagittal (front-to-back growth)
- Frontal (vertical development)
- Transverse (side-to-side widening)
When Should Early Expansion Be Considered?
The earlier, the better! Many airway-centric dentists are beginning treatment as soon as the child’s 2-year molars have erupted.
Why Consider Early Expansion?
There are several reasons why early expansion may be recommended:
- Expands Narrow Palates: A narrow jaw can lead to crowding, crossbites, and improper occlusion. We may also see low resting tongue posture.
- Improves Breathing: Expansion can help open the airway, which may benefit children with sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea. (We often see things like bed wetting and hyperactivity improve as well!)
- Enhances Facial Growth: Proper expansion promotes balanced skeletal development and helps prevent asymmetries.
- Reduces the Need for Extractions or Surgery: By creating space for incoming permanent teeth, early intervention may reduce the need for extractions or more invasive orthodontic procedures later on.
- Optimizes Therapy Outcomes: Addressing the whole picture—including ensuring adequate space in the palate for proper tongue posture and an uncompromised airway—leads to better therapeutic results.
When is Early Expansion Recommended?
Early expansion is typically recommended when:
- There is significant crowding or lack of space for permanent teeth.
- A child has a crossbite (where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth).
- The child exhibits mouth breathing, snoring, or other airway-related concerns.
- There are signs of a developing skeletal imbalance that could worsen with age.
What’s Our Role as Professionals?
Early expansion can be a highly beneficial treatment for many children, especially those with narrow palates, airway concerns, significant crowding, or orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). However, recommendations should always be based on individualized assessments rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
As therapists, our role includes:
- Recognizing the signs of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
- Being able to identify and treat OMDs therapeutically.
- Knowing when to refer to airway-centric dentists for further evaluation and treatment.
The therapy we provide often is enhanced when our client is able to receive the needed expansion from an airway-centric dentist. Ultimately, our goal is to support proper oral function, facial development, and long-term dental health– through myofunctional therapy and making the right referrals as needed. By understanding the importance of early expansion and making appropriate referrals, we can help optimize outcomes for the children we serve.
