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A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance used to gently widen the upper jaw, primarily in children and young teenagers while their jaws are still developing. The device provides consistent pressure to the palate, or roof of the mouth, which progressively creates more space, aligning the bite properly and ensuring there is enough space for all teeth to grow.
Palate expanders are used to treat a number of dental issues, including crossbites, crowded teeth, and narrow upper jaws. By widening the upper jaw, an expander improves the position of teeth and how they sit, which in turn helps with breathing and can make future orthodontic treatment more effective.
Palate expanders are made of two metal pieces connected in the middle by a screw. The metal pieces are attached on each side of the upper jaw to the molars, with a key used to turn the screw between them and progressively expand the roof of the mouth. Coming in both fixed and removable options, each palate expander is custom-made to fit the patient’s upper jaw.
1. Design and fitting. We use precise measurements of your upper jaw to custom-create the expander, and then gently attach it to your upper molars using dental bands or a special bonding cement.
2. Activation phase. As directed, you’ll use a small key to turn the screw in the expander, progressively widening the jaw. The activation phase typically lasts for a few weeks, depending on the amount of expansion needed.
3. Stabilisation. Once the jaw has reached the desired width, the expander holds this new position in place over the next few months. We may also recommend wearing a retainer once the expander is removed.
We recommend having an initial orthodontic assessment by age 7. At this stage, we can identify how well teeth and jaws are developing and diagnose any potential issues. This helps us use preventive health care measures to direct teeth placement as early as possible, while also improving overall oral health, lowering the risk of tooth decay and correcting harmful oral habits.
Early orthodontic treatment may not wholly prevent the need for orthodontics later in life, but it should make future treatments shorter and easier. Some signs your child may require early interceptive orthodontics include:
Get in touch with us to learn more about palate expander treatment and whether it would help your child. Our friendly team is ready to meet you and set up the foundation for a healthy smile.
Your palate expander cost can vary depending on the complexity of treatment, and how long a patient is expected to wear the device. Before beginning the treatment course, we will provide a detailed breakdown of costs.
Wearing an expander can cause some mild pressure and discomfort, particularly after the screw is turned. Thankfully, this feeling is only temporary and only lasts a few minutes after each adjustment. This is particularly true for young patients as their bones are still growing. If you experience any ongoing pain, please let us know and we will ensure everything is fitted correctly.
Adults can get a palate expander, but it is typically a much longer treatment because adult bones have fully developed. In some cases, surgery will also be required to assist with the expansion of the upper jaw. Book an appointment with us and we can assess whether a palate expander would be an effective solution for you.
The exact length of treatment will depend on the age of the patient and the severity of their condition. Most patients will wear the device for between 6 and 12 months, including both the active phase when the jaw is being widened, and a subsequent holding phase to ensure the new position is stable.
Once the palate expander is removed, we may recommend wearing a retainer to ensure the new position of the upper jaw is completely stable. We will assess the results of your treatment and recommend the correct type of retainer to preserve your results.
We recommend sticking to soft foods while wearing your expander, like yoghurt, mashed potatoes and smoothies. Try to avoid hard, chewy and sticky foods, which can damage the expander if they get stuck. When you begin treatment, we will provide detailed instructions on the types of foods you can eat, and how to preserve your device.
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