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What Is a Palate Expander?
A palate expander is a custom-made oral appliance that fits in the roof of the mouth or the upper palate. The upper palate is formed in two halves that gradually fuse together as you age.
The palate expander is slowly expanded, moving both halves of your upper palate apart, gradually widening the upper jaw. As the upper jaw is expanded, new bone is generated to fit in the space between the two halves.
Widening the upper jaw creates more room for your teeth to erupt properly. It can improve the way your upper and lower teeth occlude or bite together and avoid the need for tooth extractions.
When is a Palate Expander Necessary?
Our dentist may recommend a palate expander if you have any of the following issues, which include:
- Overcrowded teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Overlapping teeth.
- A misaligned bite where you have a cross bite, an open bite, an underbite, or an overbite.
- Problems chewing.
- Impacted teeth.
Sometimes this device is recommended for children or adults who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that can harm general health. Widening the upper jaw can facilitate less obstructed breathing, which can help alleviate symptoms of OSA.
Who Can Have a Palate Expander?
Usually, these devices are used to treat children while their upper jaw is still growing and developing, and the jawbone is relatively soft. Treatment often occurs when a child is seven or eight years old. At this point, growth can be guided, and wearing a palate expander can avoid the need for more invasive treatments later.
However, a palate expander can also be used to treat teenagers and adults, although treatment may take longer to complete.
Benefits of a Palate Expander
The primary benefit of a palate expander is to create more space for teeth, allowing them to be properly aligned. They can help improve your bite and protect the function of your jaws. Treatment can also help reduce breathing issues or OSA.
When teeth are correctly aligned, they are easier to keep clean, so you can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of common diseases like tooth decay or gum disease.
Different Types of Palate Expanders
There are several types of palate expanders available, including:
- Removable palate expander.
- Rapid palate expander.
- Implant-supported palate expander.
- Surgically assisted rapid palate expander.
Removable Palate Expander
A removable palate expander resembles a retainer but is made of chrome. It is often used when only minor upper jaw expansion is required.
Rapid Palate Expander
A rapid palate expander is fitted to the roof of your mouth and is attached to your back teeth. There is a small screw in the middle of the expander that is turned each day using a special key to widen it gradually.
This device can widen your jaw by approximately 0.5 mm per day. It may be worn for anywhere between 3 and 6 months to achieve optimal results.
Implant-Supported Palate Expander
An implant-supported palate expander uses four mini dental implants to apply pressure to the upper jaw. It is generally used when treating teens and adults and requires our orthodontist to work closely with our periodontist, who will place the implants.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palate Expander
These palate expanders are used before more severe cases or when an adult has fully developed facial bones that will be trickier to expand. It is placed into the joint between the right and left sides of your upper palate, using the upper back teeth for support.
The palate expander is gradually widened a little each day until the desired treatment outcome is achieved.
What to Expect If You Have a Palate Expander
Some palate expander side effects are inevitable, as the device is forcing your upper jaw to widen. When you first begin wearing it, it’s not unusual to experience palate expander pain or discomfort, or slight discomfort when turning the key.
You should be able to control any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief. If this doesn’t help, please get in touch with us so we can adjust your treatment plan to ensure you feel more comfortable.
Other side effects may include headaches, a lisp, or drooling, all of which should be temporary as you become accustomed to wearing the device.
It is essential to follow our instructions on caring for your palate expander and to clean it thoroughly to remove food debris and plaque. Otherwise, this could cause a nasty taste or unpleasant odour.
FAQs
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How Long Would I Need to Wear a Palate Expander?
The time required for your treatment depends on the amount of expansion needed and your age. For example, a child may need to wear a palate expander for one to two months. An adult who has fully developed and hardened jaw and facial bones may need longer, sometimes a year or more.
After the palate is expanded, you may need to continue to wet the device for several more months to give your palate time to fuse together and become strong.
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Is It Worth Having a Palate Expander?
We would only recommend this device if we believe it is necessary, particularly where your upper palate is narrower than desirable. In this case, increasing the width of your upper jaw can help correct bite problems.
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Will a Palate Expander Change My Facial Appearance?
No, as it will only increase the width of your upper jaw but will not change the appearance of your face significantly.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096