Archive for November 2016
Rapid Palatal Expander
November 22, 2016 | Posted Orthodontic Needs | Be the first one to comment.
A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is an early orthodontic treatment used to correct a cross-bite, and are the most common orthodontic appliance used to expand the palate of young children. Dr. Glenn typically recommends an RPE for a child with a posterior cross-bite around 5-6 years old, depending on how the child will handle treatment. Most patients feel pressure on their teeth throughout treatment, however experiences may vary.
The RPE is placed on the palate with 2 rings around each molar. There is a key used to turn the expander twice a day for two weeks; each turn expanding the palate in small increments. During treatment, some children start to see a gap between their front teeth; this is a positive sign. A typical cross-bite will be corrected by the RPE within 3-6 months of use.
When will my child lose their baby teeth?
November 09, 2016 | Posted Losing Baby teeth | Be the first one to comment.
| Primary Teeth Development Chart | ||
| Upper Teeth | When tooth emerges | When tooth falls out |
| Central incisor | 8 to 12 months | 6 to 7 years |
| Lateral incisor | 9 to 13 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 16 to 22 months | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 13 to 19 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Second molar | 25 to 33 months | 10 to 12 years |
| Lower Teeth | ||
| Second molar | 23 to 31 months | 10 to 12 years |
| First molar | 14 to 18 months | 9 to 11 years |
| Canine (cuspid) | 17 to 23 months | 9 to 12 years |
| Lateral incisor | 10 to 16 months | 7 to 8 years |
| Central incisor | 6 to 10 months | 6 to 7 years |
Other primary tooth eruption facts:
- A general rule of thumb is that for every 6 months of life, approximately 4 teeth will erupt.
- Girls generally precede boys in tooth eruption.
- Lower teeth usually erupt before upper teeth.
- Teeth in both jaws usually erupt in pairs -- one on the right and one on the left.
- Primary teeth are smaller in size and whiter in color than the permanent teeth that will follow.
- By the time a child is 2 to 3 years of age, all primary teeth should have erupted.