Expanders

What are expanders?

Sometimes, smiles and bites are imperfect because of a narrow upper jawbone. An advantage of orthodontic treatment in children is that it’s easier to correct a misaligned bite when their jawbone is still developing. 

A palatal expander is a device that fits inside the upper arch of your child’s mouth, gradually expanding the jawbone to prepare it for braces or other orthodontic treatments.

When is a palatal expander needed?

Dr. Watts may suggest your child receive a palatal expander if they have one or more of the following:

Crossbite

A crossbite is a bite misalignment in which your child’s upper jaw is too narrow to align with the lower jaw. The back top teeth bite inside the lower teeth, rather than the outside, as a child bites down.

Crowding

If your child doesn’t have enough room in their mouth to accommodate all of their permanent teeth, a palatal expander widens the upper jaw to create the necessary space.

Impacted teeth

Palatal expansion can also help prevent or correct impaction, a condition in which a tooth that hasn’t yet erupted gets blocked by another tooth. The expander makes space for impacted teeth to erupt normally. 

Imperfect smile

An expander has other uses as well. It can broaden your child’s smile in a beautiful way and limit the number of teeth requiring extraction. 

Breathing irregularities 

Having an ideal bite makes it easier for your child to breathe clearly and deeply. 

Is an expander right for my child?

Dr. Watts examines your child’s mouth, reviews their dental history and symptoms, and takes digital X-rays to determine if they would benefit from wearing a palatal expander as part of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan. 

What happens during palatal expander treatment?

Dr. Watts creates a custom palatal expander that fits perfectly into your child’s mouth. He bonds it to the teeth on their upper arch. The appliance is made up of two halves connected by a middle screw. You can activate the device by turning a tiny key each day, gradually expanding the upper jaw. Your child may feel some pressure after each adjustment. 

They might also develop a temporary gap between their two front teeth during treatment. After your child’s jaw reaches the desired expansion, Dr. Watts leaves the device in place for a few extra months to allow new bone to form. Your child might wear an expander for a total of 3-6 months. They are then ready to begin the next phase of their orthodontic treatment.

Schedule an appointment at Montclair Orthodontics by phone or request one online today to learn more about palatal expanders and if they’re right for your child.