Just before Christmas we had an afternoon family trip to the dentist for our six month cleanings and check ups.
After Havi had finished with her cleaning and fluoride treatment then the dentist came in and gave us a bit of troubling news... she suggested we get Havi fitted with an expander.
Our first question... what's an expander? Well... it's a device that is attached to the back teeth and goes across the roof of the mouth. A key is turned each night to expand the jaw.
Why does Havi need one? She has a cross-bite and probably won't have enough room for all her adult teeth. The top teeth on the left side sit inside her bottom teeth instead of outside.
Third question... isn't she too young? Not a very satisfying answer was given for this question so after a lot of google-ing we decided to get a second opinion.
This week we went to see a highly recommended orthodontist and we're glad we did. Does Havi need an expander? Yes. Does she need one now? Nope... we're on the call back list in 18 months.
The orthodontist wants to see her six year molars in (to attach the expander to) and at least four baby teeth lost and adult teeth on their way. Waiting too long could make it quite painful, making around the seven year mark perfect.
The x-ray taken at the orthodontist's was pretty cool. You can see all her baby teeth and all her adult teeth on the way! Won't be long before we get a visit from the tooth fairy!
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