ProviderPalate Expanders for Children
Safely & Effectively Create More Space in Your Child's Mouth
The roof of the mouth is called the palate. Issues with bite, alignment, or even breathing can result when the palate is too narrow.
Palatal expansion treatment uses an orthodontic device to widen a narrow upper jaw, providing more space for teeth to grow with minimal crowding.
In children, the palate consists of two sides connected by a soft spot in between them. This soft spot runs right down the middle of the upper jaw, allowing it to widen naturally as the mouth grows and develops. Palatal expanders apply gentle pressure to further widen the upper jaw and allow teeth to erupt properly.
Embarking on the palatal expansion process while a child's mouth is still growing helps circumvent or minimize the development of jaw and teeth misalignments. In turn, this can shorten treatment duration with braces or clear aligners in later years.
In some cases, it can also help the child eat, breathe, and speak more easily.
The Importance of Early Orthodontics
Children with developing orthodontic issues can often benefit from early orthodontic intervention to prevent or reduce the need for more extensive treatment later in life. Palatal expansion and braces may be part of your child's early orthodontic treatment at Nalchajian Orthodontics.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones continue to grow until children reach puberty, making the years between five and 13 the ideal time to detect and treat a narrow palate.
Palatal expanders are custom-made, metal appliances designed to gradually widen the bones that form the palate, helping create more space in a child's mouth as the jaw develops and adult teeth emerge. Palatal expanders are usually fixed in place until treatment is complete.
Parents are responsible for adjusting the expanders slowly over time. This is done by simply turning the expander key at prescribed intervals. Each turn increases the width of the expander about ¼ mm. Throughout treatment, the child's palate gradually expands along with the appliance, accommodating growth and making room for erupting teeth.
Your orthodontist will provide you with specific instructions for adjusting your child's palatal expander.