ProviderWhat is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion treatment uses a special orthodontic device to gently widen the upper jaw. This helps teeth move into their ideal positions, creating a healthy smile.
In children, the upper jaw is made up of two halves connected by a soft spot right down the middle. This soft spot allows the jaw to naturally widen as the mouth grows and develops. Palatal expansion is especially helpful when the palate is too narrow for teeth to come in properly.
Starting palatal expansion while your child’s mouth is still growing can prevent or reduce problems with jaw and teeth alignment later on. This often means shorter treatment times with braces or clear aligners down the road.
In some cases, it can also assist the child in eating, breathing, and speaking more easily.
Early Orthodontics & Interceptive Treatment
Children with developing orthodontic issues can often benefit from early orthodontic intervention, which may help prevent or reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on. At i-Orthodontics, early treatment options might include palatal expanders, braces, or clear aligners tailored to your child’s needs.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones continue to grow until kids reach puberty, making the ages between 5 and 11 the ideal time to identify and treat a narrow palate.
Palatal expanders are custom-made metal devices designed to gradually widen the bones of the palate. This creates extra space in your child’s mouth as their jaw develops and adult teeth begin to come in.
Palatal expanders are usually fixed in place throughout Phase 1 treatment. Parents use a small key to turn the expander at prescribed intervals, gently widening the palate by about ¼ mm with each turn. This helps increase the width of the upper jaw to support healthy growth.