Maxillary expansion and tongue tie release?

Adult Maxillary Expansion: Enhancing Health and Well-Being

Maxillary expansion, traditionally used in children and adolescents to correct dental and skeletal discrepancies, is now recognized for its benefits in adults as well. Adult maxillary expansion can significantly improve nasal breathing, posture, and overall health. This blog explores the process, benefits, and supporting research for adult maxillary expansion.

Understanding Adult Maxillary Expansion

Maxillary expansion involves widening the upper jaw to correct narrow palates and improve dental alignment. While it is more commonly performed in growing children, advancements in orthodontic techniques have made it a viable option for adults. The process typically involves the use of appliances such as the palatal expander, which applies gentle pressure to the upper teeth and palate to gradually widen the jaw. Although having tongue tie release is helpful in children as we are utilising the growth, in adults, the maxillary expansion requires mechanical effort to enlarge the palate.

Benefits of Adult Maxillary Expansion

1. Improved Nasal Breathing: Widening the upper jaw increases the space in the nasal cavity, enhancing airflow and promoting better nasal breathing.

2. Enhanced Posture: Correcting jaw alignment helps in maintaining proper head and neck posture, reducing strain and improving overall body alignment.

3. Alleviation of TMJ Disorders: By addressing underlying jaw discrepancies, maxillary expansion can relieve symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, such as jaw pain, headaches, and earaches.

4. Better Dental Alignment: Creating more space in the upper jaw can prevent dental crowding and improve the alignment of teeth, contributing to better oral health.

5. Holistic Health Improvements: Enhanced breathing and proper jaw alignment can positively impact sleep quality, reduce sleep apnea symptoms, and improve overall well-being.

Supporting Journal Articles

1. Nasal Breathing and Airway Improvement: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that adult maxillary expansion significantly improved nasal airway volume and reduced sleep apnea symptoms, highlighting its benefits for respiratory health .

2. Postural and Musculoskeletal Benefits: Research in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics demonstrated that maxillary expansion can positively affect craniofacial structures, leading to improved posture and reduced musculoskeletal pain .

3. TMJ Disorder Relief: A study in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation reported that maxillary expansion can alleviate TMJ disorder symptoms by improving occlusion and reducing stress on the temporomandibular joint .

4. Dental Alignment and Oral Health: An article in the Angle Orthodontist showed that adult maxillary expansion effectively corrected dental crowding and improved the alignment of teeth, contributing to better oral health .

5. Holistic Health Impacts: A comprehensive review in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache emphasized the holistic benefits of maxillary expansion, noting improvements in breathing, sleep quality, and overall quality of life .

Techniques for Adult Maxillary Expansion

1. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE): This technique combines orthodontic expansion with surgical assistance to overcome the resistance of mature bone structures in adults. SARPE is effective for significant expansions.

2. Minimally Invasive Appliances: Newer orthodontic appliances, such as mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expanders (MARPE), offer a less invasive alternative to SARPE. These appliances use mini-implants to provide additional anchorage, allowing for effective expansion in adults.

Collaborative Care: Integrating Holistic Dentistry and Osteopathy

Combining maxillary expansion with holistic dentistry and osteopathic care can further enhance the benefits:

• Holistic Dentistry: This approach focuses on the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being, ensuring that treatments support systemic health.

• Osteopathic Manipulation: Osteopaths can address musculoskeletal compensations resulting from jaw misalignment, using manual techniques to improve posture and alleviate pain.

Conclusion

Adult maxillary expansion is a powerful intervention that extends beyond correcting dental issues. By improving nasal breathing, enhancing posture, and relieving TMJ disorders, it offers comprehensive health benefits. Supported by robust research, this treatment can be a cornerstone of holistic health care, particularly when combined with holistic dentistry and osteopathic care.

For adults experiencing symptoms related to jaw misalignment or seeking to improve their overall health, consulting with a multidisciplinary team that includes orthodontists, holistic dentists, and osteopaths can provide a path to better health and well-being.

References:

1. Cistulli, P. A., Palmisano, R. G., & Poole, M. D. (1998). Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by rapid maxillary expansion. Sleep, 21(8), 831-835.

2. Proffit, W. R., & Bailey, L. J. (1997). Posteroanterior cephalometric changes in adults treated with palatal expansion. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 112(1), 75-84.

3. Cordasco, G., et al. (2012). Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion for the correction of maxillary transverse discrepancy. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, 40(8), 783-789.

4. Carlson, D. S., & Nakajima, T. (1997). Effects of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion on the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 24(4), 285-290.

5. Compadretti, G. C., Tasca, I., & Bonetti, G. A. (2006). Nasal airway measurements in children treated by rapid maxillary expansion. American Journal of Rhinology, 20(4), 385-393.

Expanding the maxilla, tongue tie release to unlock your posture

Tongue Tie Release: Unlocking Benefits for Posture, Jaw Pain, and Overall Health

Tongue tie, medically known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the lingual frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is unusually short, restricting the tongue's range of motion. While it’s commonly associated with breastfeeding difficulties in infants, recent research has highlighted its broader impact on health, posture, and overall well-being.

The Far-Reaching Impacts of Tongue Tie

Restricted tongue movement can have several downstream effects on the body, affecting everything from oral posture to systemic health. Individuals with tongue tie may struggle to place their tongue on the palate, a position crucial for proper jaw development, nasal breathing, and posture. This can lead to a cascade of issues including:

1. Jaw and Neck Pain: The tension from an improperly positioned tongue can extend to the muscles of the jaw and neck, often leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

2. Postural Problems: Poor tongue posture can affect the alignment of the head and neck, influencing overall posture and leading to musculoskeletal problems.

3. Breathing Difficulties: An inability to maintain proper tongue posture can encourage mouth breathing over nasal breathing, impacting sleep quality and general health.

4. TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is another potential consequence, with symptoms ranging from jaw pain to headaches and earaches.

Benefits of Tongue Tie Release

Tongue tie release, or frenectomy, is a minor surgical procedure that can significantly improve these conditions. By freeing the tongue, this procedure allows for:

• Improved Tongue Mobility: Enhancing the tongue’s ability to rest on the palate, which is essential for proper oral posture.

• Relief from Jaw and Neck Pain: Reducing tension in the associated muscles, leading to relief from chronic pain.

• Enhanced Posture: Promoting better head and neck alignment, contributing to overall postural improvements.

• Better Sleep and Breathing: Facilitating nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

• TMJ Symptom Relief: Alleviating the strain on the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles.

The Role of Maxillary Expanders

Maxillary expanders are orthodontic appliances used to widen the upper jaw. This treatment can be particularly beneficial in individuals with tongue tie, as it helps create more space in the mouth for proper tongue posture. Research has shown that maxillary expansion can:

• Improve Airway Space: Widening the upper jaw can enhance nasal airway volume, promoting better breathing and sleep quality .

• Aid in Orthodontic Alignment: By creating adequate space for teeth, it can prevent crowding and improve overall dental alignment .

Evidence from Journal Articles

Studies have documented the benefits of tongue tie release and maxillary expanders. One study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found significant improvements in breastfeeding, speech, and oral health post-tongue tie release . Another study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics reported that maxillary expansion not only improves dental alignment but also has positive effects on airway dimensions and breathing patterns .

Collaborative Care: Working with an Osteopath

Incorporating osteopathic care into the treatment plan can further enhance the benefits of tongue tie release and orthodontic interventions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system and can help address postural issues, muscle tension, and overall body alignment. They use manual manipulation techniques to:

• Release Muscular Tension: Addressing compensatory tension patterns that may have developed due to tongue tie.

• Improve Postural Alignment: Facilitating better overall body alignment and reducing strain on the neck and jaw.

• Enhance Recovery: Supporting the body’s adjustment post-surgery or orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

Addressing tongue tie through surgical release and utilizing maxillary expanders can have profound impacts on health, posture, and quality of life. By enhancing tongue mobility, improving oral posture, and expanding the upper jaw, these interventions can alleviate chronic pain, improve breathing, and contribute to better overall alignment. Collaborative care with osteopaths ensures a holistic approach, addressing both the immediate and systemic effects of tongue tie and its treatment.

For those experiencing symptoms associated with tongue tie, consulting with a multidisciplinary team, including a dentist, orthodontist, and osteopath, can provide comprehensive care and long-lasting benefits.

References:

1. Chiu, C. H., & Clark, R. K. F. (2010). Relevance of airway obstruction to orthodontists. Journal of Orthodontics, 37(2), 95-101.

2. Pirelli, P., Saponara, M., & Guilleminault, C. (2004). Rapid maxillary expansion in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep, 27(4), 761-766.

3. McNamara, J. A. (2000). Maxillary transverse deficiency. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 117(5), 567-570.

4. Suter, V. G., & Bornstein, M. M. (2009). Ankyloglossia: Facts and myths in diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Periodontology, 80(8), 1200-1219.

5. Linder-Aronson, S., & Woodside, D. G. (1983). The growth in width of the facial skeleton as related to the enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils. American Journal of Orthodontics, 83(2), 175-186.