Ensuring a child's healthy tooth and jaw development is a top priority. When it comes to dental health, one tool that is sometimes used on growing children by an orthodontist is a palate expander. Below I will review palate expanders; what are they, how do they work and who might need one. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to understand palate expanders and their role in orthodontic treatment.
What is a Palate Expander
A palate expander is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (also known as the palate). It’s typically made of two halves connected in the middle by a screw. This device is custom-made to fit your child’s mouth and is usually anchored to the upper teeth. At our office, no goopy molds are used and a custom digital model is made. Over time, the expander gently pushes the two halves of the upper jaw apart, gradually increasing the width of the palate.
How Does a Palate Expander Work?
The upper jaw consists of two bones that do not fully fuse together until later in adolescence. The age varies amongst patients, but typically fuses after puberty. A palate expander takes advantage of this natural flexibility in younger patients by slowly and gently separating these two bones. The screw in the center of the expander is turned regularly, usually by a parent, using a special key. Each turn widens the expander slightly, encouraging the bones to move apart and the palate to widen.
This process creates additional space in the upper jaw, which can correct issues related to crowding, misalignment, and bite problems. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the device remains in place for 6-12 months to allow new bone to form in the gap, solidifying the new position.
How Does My Child Keep it Clean
A water flosser can be very helpful to flush what is stuck in the expander out. Normal brushing and flossing can still be done as normal.
Will the Expander Be Painful?
Most patients describe the sensation when the expander is turning and just after as some "pressure". This discomfort is due to the pressure being applied to the teeth and jaw to achieve the expansion. It’s not typically described as pain, but rather a feeling of pressure. Putting the expander on does not hurt at all. Over the Counter pain relievers can help with any feeling of pressure.
Does an Expander affect Speech?
An expander may affect speech in the first few days or weeks: This is because the expander can alter the way the tongue moves and how air flows during speech. Some patients might experience a lisp or other slight speech impediments shortly after the expander is placed, however this usually resolves quickly.
Who Might Need a Palate Expander?
A palate expander might be recommended for several reasons:
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Expanding the upper jaw can correct this misalignment, ensuring a proper bite.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, permanent teeth can become impacted (trapped in the gum) because there isn’t enough room for them to emerge. Creating additional space can help these teeth come in correctly.
- Narrow Jaw: Some children have a naturally narrow upper jaw, which can lead to a variety of dental issues. A palate expander can widen the jaw to improve overall dental health and function.
Benefits of Palate Expander
Prevent the Need for Tooth Extractions: By creating space, an expander can often prevent the need for extracting permanent teeth to alleviate crowding.
Improve Airway: Some patients can find benefits in improving the airway from an expander as the widening of the upper jaw can facilitate breathing through the nose and expanding the nasal airway. This can help with a variety of common health issues. Palate expanders have been found to have beneficial effects on bed wetting, snoring and sleep apnea.
Improve Bite and Alignment: Correcting crossbites and aligning the upper and lower jaws can prevent future dental issues and improve overall bite function.
Facilitates Future Orthodontic Treatment: Expanding the palate can make future orthodontic treatments, such as braces, more effective and less complicated and more predictable
A palate expander is a powerful tool in orthodontic treatment, especially for children whose jaws are still developing. If a palate expander is recommended for your child, understanding how it works and the benefits it offers can help you feel confident in the decision. With the right care and guidance, your child will be on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
If you have any questions or concerns about palate expanders or your child’s orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to provide the best possible care for your child’s smile in Hernando and Citrus County, Florida with offices in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto FL!