How Much Does Palatal Expansion Cost?
Palatal expansion is an orthodontic therapy that is performed to broaden the roof of a person’s mouth, or palate. Palatal expansion therapy is more effective when performed on children and younger patients, before the bones of the upper jaw have completely fused together, which occurs around puberty; while it can be performed on adults, the treatment is not always as effective. When the palate is sufficiently and properly expanded earlier in life, it can prevent potentially significant orthodontic problems in adolescence and adulthood. If your dentist or your child’s dentist has recommended palatal expansion, it’s definitely worth it to gather all your facts and make an informed decision about this smile investment. You might be especially curious about how much palatal expansion costs, which makes sense – there’s a lot to consider. The average cost of palatal expansion treatment is rarely less than two or three thousand dollars, and it may be more. Cost is affected by your geographical location, the expertise of your orthodontist, and dental insurance, along with other possible contributing factors. Many orthodontists offer financing options or work with third-party financers to help make palatal expansion a viable option for more patients.
A palate expander is bonded to the upper molars on each side of the palate, where it applies pressure that gradually guides the two sides of the jaw apart. When we are young, these two sides are separate, and they grow and fuse together as the skeleton matures. This is why it’s easier to expand a palate when the patient is younger, though it’s still possible to expand an adult’s palate. There are a few different types of palate expanders, and each type has its benefits and drawbacks. Rapid palatal expanders are used most often in patients with crowded teeth or crossbites, or for patients with generally narrow palates. These rapid palatal expanders are made up of a metal device that bonds to the back teeth and crosses the palate, and they feature a screw that is turned periodically to apply pressure to opposite sides of the mouth and gradually widen the palate. Because these devices are bonded into place, they are left in place for the duration of treatment and are only removed when expansion is complete and the jaw has stabilized. Removable palate expanders may also be used and resemble retainers; they are removed for eating and can only be used for minor changes in the palate.
For adults who want to widen their palates, dentists may recommend an implant-supported palate expander. These palate expanders apply force directly to the bones of the jaw, rather than to the teeth, which means they are more powerful. Surgically assisted palate expanders are also an option for adults who require more intensive treatment. Of course, these palatal expansion treatments require multiple steps and additional procedures, all of which will add up in cost. For many patients, these additional treatments and costs are a small price to pay for the restoration of their smile, and the time and investment palatal expansion may require is well worth it.