On Monday I took Miranda to the orthodontist to get her cross bite and crowding issues reassessed. We had taken her to one in 2012 in Langford and were planning on starting her treatment there, but then the house sold.
We went to a Dr. Antosz. I must say his office is very impressive. There are iPads for the kids to use in the waiting room, refreshments, and chances to win prizes by earning points. Miranda had a 3D scan of her head done so they could see her teeth and roots from all angles. Everything was super high tech and surprisingly affordable too. The consultation and scans were free, even if we decided against treatment.
Since her upper jaw didn’t grow properly (possibly due to mouth breathing as a baby and young child) it’s not big/wide enough to accommodate all her teeth and the problem will get worse with teeth possibly impacting. To try and prevent this from happening she needs an expander, which the previous orthodontist also recommended. It looks something like this. She’ll also get a mini set of braces put on the front teeth as the jaw widens. As the jaw is widened the front teeth will become a little gapped. Both will be in place for 6 months then she’ll have the braces and the expander removed. At that time she may need a retainer.
Today we went in to get her upper jaw and palate cast so they can make the expander. She also had two elastics (spacers) put between her molars to space her teeth for the expander to hook onto them. She’s not allowed to eat anything sticky or gooey in case these elastics get pulled out. We go back next Thursday to get the expander installed.
Here are some pics of the casting and spacing.
Brave girl Miranda! Ask your dad about his days with his teeth. Thinking of you. Nana