Episode 14 of Airway Answers: "Expansion Under The Age of 6 Years Old with Dr. Marianna Evans"

Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb: Expanding Your Breath of Knowledge

Welcome to the "Airway Answers: Expanding your Breath of Knowledge" with Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM®. In this episode, Dr. Mariana Evans discusses the importance of early expansion for children's jaw development and periodontal health. She explains the relationship between orthodontics and periodontal issues, emphasizing the need to address jaw deficiencies at a young age. Dr. Evans highlights the clinical indicators for jaw development issues and the controversy surrounding expansion techniques. She challenges the traditional practice of waiting for adult molars to expand and advocates for customized appliances and anchorage. Dr. Evans also addresses the question of how much expansion is necessary and the potential need for additional treatment in the future. This conversation discusses the need for expansion as children get older and the limitations of expansion based on age and facial growth. It also explores the duration of the expansion process and how to respond to orthodontists who are hesitant to expand at a young age. The conversation highlights the demand for orthodontic treatment and the challenges faced by orthodontists in treating younger children. It also discusses the role of pediatric dentists in treating younger children and the importance of a positive dental experience. The conversation covers the criteria for determining the need for expansion in young pediatric patients and the use of measurements and clinical indicators. It also addresses the use of dental age and tooth size for customized expansion. The conversation touches on the considerations for tonsillectomy in relation to expansion and the use of Invisalign during the expansion process. Dr. Evans shares her personal experience with Marpe expansion and explains the concept of the 4D dimension in expansion. The conversation concludes with a summary of the course and upcoming dates.
Takeaways
*Early expansion is crucial for optimal jaw development and periodontal health in children.
*Clinical indicators such as facial appearance and tooth positioning can help identify jaw deficiencies.
*The traditional practice of waiting for adult molars to expand is not always necessary or beneficial.
*Customized appliances and anchorage techniques can provide more effective and precise expansion.
*Expansion at a young age may not eliminate the need for additional treatment, but it can improve growth patterns and prevent future complications. Expansion may be necessary as children get older, as the face grows and expands naturally.
*The duration of the expansion process is typically around six months, with active turning for about two months and four months of holding the expansion.When orthodontists are hesitant to expand at a young age, it is important to provide research and evidence to support the need for expansion.
*The demand for orthodontic treatment is increasing, and there is a need for more providers who can treat both adult and young patients.
*Younger children may be better treated by pediatric dentists who have experience in treating younger patients and can focus on prevention and facial development.
*The need for expansion in young pediatric patients can be determined based on symptoms, clinical indicators, and measurements.
*Customized expansion takes into account dental age and tooth size to ensure optimal results.
*It is important not to overdo expansion and to find the right balance for each patient.
*The decision to perform tonsillectomy in relation to expansion should be made in consultation with an ENT specialist.
*The use of Invisalign during expansion depends on the individual patient and the specific treatment plan.
*Dr. Evans offers a course on expansion that covers the principles and techniques of expansion, with both in-person and online options available.
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ABOUT THE HOST:
Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM® is a Speech-