Gangnam Orthodontics: Will Arch Expansion Make Your Face Bigger?

Hello.

This is Ceramick Dental Clinic, an orthodontic clinic near Hakdong Station.

When you consult about Gangnam orthodontic treatment,

the alignment of each patient’s teeth is different,

so there are cases where there is enough space

for the teeth to be arranged,

and cases where there is not enough space.

Gangnam Orthodontics, Hakdong Station Ceramick Dental Clinic

If there is not enough space,

one of the methods suggested to solve this

may be “arch expansion.”

However, when people hear this for the first time,

many start worrying right away.

“Is it really necessary?”

“Could my face get wider?”

Today, let’s go over what arch expansion treatment is,

when it is needed, and what effect it actually has

on facial shape, one by one.

✅ What is arch expansion?

Meaning, definition, and classification of arch expansion

The “arch” (顎弓) refers to

the curved arch shape in which the teeth are arranged.

In other words, “arch expansion” is a treatment method

that widens the arch where the teeth are positioned

when there is not enough space for tooth alignment

during orthodontic treatment.

In orthodontics,

arch expansion is broadly divided

into two methods.

1. A method that adjusts the angle of the teeth

2. A method that widens the gum bone itself

✅ When is arch expansion needed?

At a Gangnam orthodontic clinic,

arch expansion may be needed in the following cases.

(1) Children in the growth stage

whose bone growth is still in progress

(2) When space is needed during

Invisalign (clear aligner) treatment

(3) When non-extraction orthodontic treatment

is desired but there is not enough space

(4) Malocclusion where the upper and lower teeth

do not fit together well (crossbite, open bite)

✅ Will arch expansion change face size?

The relationship between arch expansion and face size

Since this treatment widens the space inside the mouth,

it is natural to worry that the face might get bigger.

However, the actual effect on the face

is very limited.

▶️ If only the angle of the teeth is adjusted

: Because the teeth are only slightly tilted outward,

there is no effect on the width of the face.

▶️ If the gum bone is widened

: When using mini-screws, etc.

in the case of maxillary bone (upper jaw) expansion,

the area around the nose or the nasal cavity

may temporarily widen slightly,

but over time, the soft tissues

return to their original position.

※ According to a reference paper,

when the bone is widened, the nasal cavity may expand

by an average of about 1 mm.

However, it is reported that most of it

returns to the original state over time.

Therefore, you can rest assured that

there will not be any major changes such as

your face getting bigger due to arch expansion.☺️

✅ Precautions when undergoing arch expansion

When you first start wearing an arch expansion device,

you may temporarily experience tightness

in the gum area or a headache.

In most cases, these symptoms

naturally ease within a few days,

and if needed, taking a pain reliever such as Tylenol

can make you more comfortable.

As time passes, the pain decreases,

and you may also notice that

the space is gradually widening.

Orthodontic treatment is

not about expecting short-term changes,

but a process that continues steadily for more than a year and a half.

Even if changes are not visible right away,

I hope you can find small joys in discovering

yourself improving day by day.

We support all of you who are on the path

of Gangnam orthodontic treatment in having

a healthy and beautiful orthodontic journey. ^^

Reasonable Gangnam orthodontic treatment prices and installment payment system!

◆ Ceramick Dental Clinic Orthodontic Treatment

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