When do you need a Palatal Expansion?

What Is a Palate Expander?

A palate expander edina is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw. The palate is another term for the roof of your mouth.

Orthodontists use a palate expander to aid in the growth of a young person’s natural growth. The palate expander helps preventing a bad bite or a malocclusion. Palate expanders help create additional room in the mouth by gradually expanding the upper jaw. While the process can be intimidating, the adjustment is completing gradually to avoid pain or discomfort.

The palate grows as two separate halves which are not completely fused together until adulthood. As a result, in pre-pubescent children, a palate expander can help create necessary space for the teeth to grow in and avoid crowding or possible tooth extractions.

When is an Orthodontic Expander Necessary?

There are four common situations when children may benefit from a palate expander.

1. Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when a child’s upper jaw is significantly narrower then the lower jaw. This results in the top back teeth being inside the lower back teeth when biting down.
2. Teeth Crowding: Prior to the eruption of a child’s adult teeth growing in, an orthodontist is able to determine if there is enough room in the mouth. Proactively widening the upper jaw can help provide adequate space for these new teeth.
3. Impacted Teeth: This occurs when a tooth trying erupt is blocked by other teeth. Expanding the upper jaw provides additional space which allows the new tooth to come in. This occurs most frequently with the canine teeth.
4. Narrow roof of the mouth: This can be caused by the combination of genetics and mouth breathing. The tongue is usually not able to stay on the roof of the mouth as it should so the upper mouth gets smaller and collapses. A tongue tie could also contribute to it.

Ideal Age For a Palatal Expander

A palate expander is most effective within a small window. This window is typically in pre-pubescent children before their sutures are fully grown and closed. Earlier treatment is usually creating more stable results and are more comfortable for kids.  For females, the ideal age is typically before 12-13 years old. For males, the ideal age is before 13-14 years old. However, the ideal age can vary from child to child.

When a crossbite, crowded teeth or impacted teeth are not identified and treated early, they can result in long-term dental issues.

How Brace Expanders Work

A palate expander, also known as a brace expander, can also be used on the lower jaw.

Lower Jaw Expander

When the lower teeth are overcrowded, an orthodontist can place a palate expander in the lower jaw. The lower jaw expander, however, doesn’t expand the jaw because the lower arch doesn’t have a suture which can be closed. A lower expander simply adjusts the teeth. A lower expander can help straighten teeth which lean inward. The lower expander can also spread out the lower teeth when there is sufficient gum tissue and bone surrounding the roots.

Upper Jaw Expander

As previously discussed, an upper jaw expander stretches the palate, which includes bone and cartilage. The expander gradually widens over a period of a few months in order to stretch out the cartilage of the palate. This expansion usually results in a gap forming between the two front teeth. Orthodontists often prescribe a retainer to help close the gap.

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