Nasomaxillary Expansion

Maxillary expansion is a procedure designed to expand the upper jaw and the nasal airway. The floor of the nose is also the roof of the upper jaw. Therefore if done correctly, as you expand the upper jaw, you expand the nasal floor and cavity. Those with a narrow upper jaw and nasal obstruction may benefit from this procedure.

The midpalatal suture closes at around age 13. After the suture is closed, the suture must be surgically opened to achieve widening of the maxilla. This procedure is completed by your surgeon who also works closely with an Orthodontist in this treatment.

This is an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia that takes approximately 1-2 hours. Your orthodontist will insert a metal palatal expander either before or right after your surgery. This expander will be turned daily which allows your upper jaw to gradually widen.