The beauty of a smile is, to a degree, dictated by fashion and culture. In America today, a broad smile is considered beautiful and desirable.

A broad smile may be achieved by both orthodontic correction and palatal expansion. The use of expansion (causing the jaws to grow) creates space for incorporation of blocked out teeth, but it also provides the excellent orthodontic result of a healthy, straight smile.

Because of the way a person’s smile ages, an orthodontic correction may result in a smile that seems quite broad for a child. In treatment planning, we always take into account that, over time, lips will become smaller and less prominent. As a child’s face matures, a smile that seemed quite broad at a younger age will fit beautifully. But expansion isn’t just for children. Adults can benefit with a broad, fashionable smile as well.