The orthodontist will often find, at the start of the orthodontic treatment, that the upper jaw is actually too narrow: it is not possible to align all the teeth nicely or a non-ideal compromise has to be made, for example by removing one or more teeth to create space. It may then be better to first widen the jaw with the so-called distraction method to create more space.
In this technique, the left and right sides of the jaw are slowly moved apart using a screwdriver. New bone can then be formed in the space in between. Your jaw is widened so that all your teeth fit into it and no teeth need to be extracted.
The procedure will always happen under general anaesthesia. You will be able to tighten the device at home afterwards.
Usually, after about 10 to 14 days, the jaw has widened sufficiently and your orthodontist can set to work again.
