Palatal Expansion Pain?

What Is a Palate Expander?

The palate is another name used to describe the roof of your mouth. A palate expander at pan orthodontics is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw.

Orthodontists commonly use this device to help ensure proper development of the teeth, ensure a proper bite and to avoid other issues in the future. Palate expanders work by creating additional room in a child’s mouth by slowly expanding the upper jaw. The process is done gradually and closely monitored to avoid pain and discomfort.

The palate develops as two halves which are not completely fused together until after puberty. As a result, a palate expander can be used in pre-pubescent children to create more space for teeth to grow in.

When is an Orthodontic Expander Needed?

Palatal or maxillary expanders have three main purposes which make the expansion of the upper jaw particularly helpful:

• Crossbite correction. In an ideal mouth, the upper teeth should close over the outside of the lower teeth. Patients who have a narrow palate can experience the upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth. This issue results in asymmetrical growth of the lower jaw and can cause facial asymmetry when it isn't corrected in a timely manner.
• Palatal expanders eliminate or reduce overcrowding in the mouth. The expander helps make space for all the upper teeth to erupt in their correct positions.
• Improve the ability to breathe. A narrow and/or deep upper jaw can make it difficult for children to breathe through their nose. This can lead to mouth-breathing, which can cause the inhalation of unfiltered bacteria, dry mouth and halitosis.

These conditions can be corrected by expanding the width of the palate. This also helps ensure the proper development of a child's teeth. In addition, the expansion can help open up nasal passages and improve the overall bite.

Best Age for a Palatal Expander

The upper jaw expansion is most successful when it is performed in patients under the age of 16. Crossbite expansion should be treated as soon as possible, but not before the child is at least five years old. Adults who have crossbites may only require dental expansion. When an adult's upper jaw requires expansion, orthodontists may recommend jaw surgery to treat the issue.

When a crossbite, crowded or impacted teeth are not caught and treated early, they can lead to serious, long-term issues.

Are Palatal Expanders Painful?

Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.

It typically takes a few weeks to achieve the desired level of expansion. Once the expansion is complete, you will continue to wear your expander for about six months. This allows sufficient time for the new bone to form and stabilize the palate. Our team will provide you with specific instructions for adjusting your appliance, ensure you are comfortable with the procedure and answer any questions you may have regarding the palatal expander process.

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