MSE (Maxillary Surgical Expansion)

We Change Lives By Creating Beautiful Smiles

MSE (Maxillary Surgical Expansion) in Leesburg, VA

Having a narrow upper jaw (maxillary transverse deficiency) is a common problem that can occur among people of all age groups. When this issue is present among younger patients, a palatal expander can be used to widen the upper jaw over time. The reason this expansion can take place with younger patients is because, unlike adults, their jaw has still not fused. If this treatment approach were performed on adults, the palatal expander would cause the posterior teeth to flare. As such, surgical intervention has historically been the only means for correcting narrow upper jaw problems among adults.

Now, thanks to orthodontic advancements, an alternative non-surgical treatment option is available for adults who have a narrow upper jaw. MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) can correct narrow upper jaws among older patients in a non-invasive manner by placing four titanium alloy TADs in the palate then using a wrench for activation. Although there are many benefits to MSE as a treatment for widening the upper jaw so your bottom and upper teeth fit together better, you may experience some side effects, such as mild discomfort, sores on your tongue, and trouble pronouncing certain words.

If you have any questions or concerns about the MSE process, please contact us today. At Lansdowne Dental Care, we recognize that every patient has a unique smile, and we are committed to working diligently to provide you with the care you need. If you are scheduled for an appoint for MSE or if you have any questions about the MSE process or other treatment options, please contact us at 703.844.4403

MSE to Correct Sleep Apnea and Other Treatment Options

One common reason MSE is considered as a treatment is to correct obstructive sleep apnea. Although MSE can be a highly effective treatment option, there are other approaches available. If sleep apnea is due to the patient being overweight or lifestyle habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, use of sedatives, or having nasal allergies, patients are encouraged to address these issues before pursuing other treatment options.

A CPAP machine and/or orthodontic device can also be worn while sleeping to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, however these approaches will not actually cure the underlying issue. If you do not have success with a CPAP machine, oral device, and/or making lifestyle changes, surgical treatment is an option, though this is held off as a last resort and typically not considered until the patient has undergone at least a three-month trial of other treatment options. While the discomfort of pursuing other treatment options may be a deal breaker for some patients, in other instances surgery may be the only viable treatment option due to structural issues of the patient’s jaw.

Our Advanced Invisalign + iTero Scanning Process

Here at LDC, we can create a 3D image of your teeth in just minutes by using our iTero scanner. iTero scanner is an industry leading digital dentistry technology from the makers of Invisalign that helps us design clear aligners for patients during your smile and oral health assessment.

View the video for more information. 

Call Our Office Today At (703) 723-7810

Contact us To get Started

MSE can make a remarkable difference in the lives of those with a narrow upper jaw and the issues that can develop as a result. To schedule for an appointment, or if you have any additional questions about the MSE process, please contact us at 703.844.4403.

At Lansdowne Dental Care, we treat every patient like a member of our family and are committed to changing lives by creating beautiful smiles!

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Meet Dr. Tracey Nguyen

Dr. Tracey Nguyen received her Doctor of Dental Surgery, Magna cum laude, at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Nguyen is trained in all phases of implant dentistry, and has received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry. She is also a manuscript/review editor for the Academy of General Dentistry.

We are located in Leesburg, VA but proudly serve Lansdowne, Reston, Broadlands, Ashburn, Sterling, and all neighboring communities.