A palatal expander is an oral appliance that is used to widen the upper jaw. Also known as a palate or orthodontic expander, these appliances fit in the roof of your mouth and gradually move the two halves of your jawbone apart by applying constant pressure on the area.
Some of the issues a dentist might recommend a palatal expander for include:
Dentists typically recommend palatal expanders to improve how a patient’s upper and lower set of teeth fit together or to create more space on the jaw for their teeth. Expanding the palate can also help to reduce the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
A palatal expander can be used by children and adults alike. Dentists usually recommend getting children started with orthodontic treatments around the ages of seven to eight. Children still have soft bones at this stage in their development, making it easier to widen their jaw. Getting children started with orthodontic treatments this early on typically helps to avoid needing more invasive treatments in the future. Widening the jaws of teenagers and adults usually takes longer since their bones have already hardened.
There are several types of palatal expanders commonly used in dentistry. Some of these appliances are removable, while others are implant-supported. Some of the palatal expanders a dentist might recommend include:
This appliance looks a lot like a retainer, but it is made out of chrome instead of acrylic. These removable appliances are typically recommended for patients who only need to widen their jaw a bit.
These appliances fit in the roof of your mouth and are attached to the patient’s back upper teeth for extra stability. They come with small screws in the middle that are turned a little each day with a special key to increase the tension the appliance puts on the palatal bones. Over time, this pushes the two palatal bones away from each other, widening the patient’s jaw.
Rapid orthodontic expanders are extremely effective tools that widen teeth at a rate of up to 0.5 millimeters daily. Most patients get their desired results within six months of using these devices.
These devices are reserved for adults with moderate to severe jaw alignment or size issues. The appliance is surgically attached to the mid-palatal suture and relies on the patient’s back teeth for support. As is the case with rapid expanders, patients will need to activate the expander daily to increase the tension it puts on their palatal structures.
These are typically used on teens and adults, and they work by applying force to four mini implants inserted into the patient’s jaw. This allows the dentist to apply pressure directly to the patient’s upper jaw. Patients might need to be referred to an oral surgeon who performs the surgical placement of the implants.
You might need a palatal expander if you have teeth alignment issues like overlapping, crooked, and misaligned teeth. Call or visit our Irving clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://valleyranchorthodontics.com or call Valley Ranch Orthodontics at (972) 830-9855 for an appointment in our Irving office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
By the Valley Ranch Orthodontics TeamThreading floss under an archwire every night is one of the least loved parts of wearing braces. So it makes sense that so many Irving patients ask the same question at their adjustment visits: in the water flosser vs floss for braces debate, which one actually wins? The honest answer…
By Valley Ranch Orthodontics Team · Reviewed by Dr. Neelanjani "Neelu" PrasadPalate expanders create pressure by design, so some discomfort in the first days is expected. What Irving parents actually need to know is the difference between normal adjustment soreness and a sign that something needs attention sooner than the next scheduled visit.The device works…
By Valley Ranch Orthodontics Team · Reviewed by Dr. Neelanjani "Neelu" PrasadIrving families researching orthodontists usually get the same polished pitch from every office: modern technology, flexible financing, free consultations. None of that tells you how the practice will actually handle your case. These five questions do.A credible answer is yes, every time. Treatment recommendations…
Table of Contents1. What Are Damon Braces?2. How Damon Braces Differ from Traditional Braces3. Benefits of Damon Braces for Irving Patients4. Who Is a Good Candidate for Damon Braces?5. What Does Damon Braces Treatment Look Like?6. Damon Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Right for You?7. What Do Damon Braces Cost in Irving, TX?8. Schedule a…
By the Valley Ranch Orthodontics TeamThreading floss under an archwire every night is one of the least loved parts of wearing braces. So it makes sense that so many Irving patients ask the same question at their adjustment visits: in the water flosser vs floss for braces debate, which one actually wins? The honest answer…
By Valley Ranch Orthodontics Team · Reviewed by Dr. Neelanjani "Neelu" PrasadPalate expanders create pressure by design, so some discomfort in the first days is expected. What Irving parents actually need to know is the difference between normal adjustment soreness and a sign that something needs attention sooner than the next scheduled visit.The device works…