Crowded teeth make it harder to eat and clean your teeth but also harder to smile. Many patients feel self-conscious about their overcrowded teeth. Braces or Invisalign can help fix crowded teeth, but sometimes, the patient needs a palate expander.
What is a palate expander? It’s a special device that widens a narrow jaw, one of the causes of crowded teeth. Zombek Orthodontics uses this orthodontic appliance to create amazing new smiles as part of your treatment plan. How do they work, and how can they help your smile?
A palate expander is an orthodontic expander that widens the roof of your mouth — or palate — which widens the dental arch of your jaw.
Some people are born with a narrow palate and arch, which doesn’t leave enough room for teeth to erupt. Their upper jaw needs to be widened to create more space for their teeth.
The palate is split down the middle and fuses together as you age. Children still have unfused palates, which makes it easier to use palate expanders for kids. However, adult palate expansion is possible, too, even though it may take slightly longer.
There are three main types of palate expanders.
Zombek Orthodontics primarily uses RPEs, which have proven tried-and-true methods of expanding palates. The type of expander used will depend on the severity of the case.
The palate expander attaches to the back teeth (molars) and applies gentle pressure against those teeth. The center part rests against the roof of your mouth.
The device is adjusted daily by turning a specialized key. A little more pressure is applied daily when you adjust the palate expander with that key.
The key is a plastic handle and metal wire that fits into a hole in the center of the RPE. You turn the key, which pushes the wires out a little more, then remove the key. This is done once a day.
The expansion is usually completed in 3-6 weeks, but you will wear the expander for up to six months to give the bones time to heal and harden.
You will feel some discomfort when you first get the palate expander. Your teeth and gums may be sore for a few days. You may also feel discomfort after adjusting your teeth expander by turning the key.
This should only last a few days. After that, your mouth will become used to the expander, and you shouldn’t have any more pain.
Does a mouth expander work on patients of any age? It’s a bit easier for younger patients, but palate expanders for adults function just as well.
Ideally, the earlier any orthodontic treatment is done, the easier it is to do. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends a child consult with an orthodontist by age 7. X-rays, digital images, and an examination will show if the teeth and jaws are developing correctly or if the child will have orthodontic issues.
Children with narrow palates may undergo two-phase braces. The first phase will involve preparing the mouth for braces later. This is usually when we place a palate expander in the child’s mouth.
Once most of the permanent teeth are in by ages 11-13, we will start Phase II braces and straighten the teeth and bite.
Adults can get a palate expander anytime, but it will take longer to do its job. Adults usually wear them from 6-12 months. Once the bone is fused and strong, they can begin treatment with braces or Invisalign.
Palate expanders do more than change the shape of your palate. They change the shape of your face, as will your braces treatment.
Here are a few examples of patients before and after palate expanders.
How long do you have to wear a palate expander?
The active expansion phase typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. After that, you'll wear the expander for several more months while the bone hardens and stabilizes in its new position. For kids, total wear time is usually around 6 months. Adults may wear theirs for 6 to 12 months since fused bone takes longer to respond.
Do palate expanders hurt?
There's some discomfort when the expander is first placed and after each daily adjustment, but it's generally manageable. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than sharp pain, and it settles down within a day or two of each adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help during the first few days.
Can adults get a palate expander?
Yes. Adult palate expansion takes longer because the bones have already fused, but it is possible. Depending on the severity of the case, we may use a standard RPE, a miniscrew-assisted expander (MARPE), or, in more complex situations, a surgically-assisted approach. Dr. Zombek will recommend the right option based on your exam.
What happens after a palate expander comes out?
Once the expander is removed, most patients move into the next phase of treatment, typically braces or Invisalign, to finish aligning the teeth and bite. The expanded arch provides the space needed for teeth to move into their correct positions.
Does a palate expander change the shape of your face?
It can, yes. Widening the upper jaw can make the smile broader and improve facial symmetry. Some patients also notice easier breathing through the nose as the nasal passage widens slightly. These are generally positive changes that complement the overall orthodontic result.
Palate expanders are one of several tools we use to create the foundation for a great smile. Not every patient needs one, and we'll tell you honestly whether it's part of the right plan for you. If you're in the Weston or Hollywood, FL area and want to find out whether a palate expander or other orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child, schedule an appointment with Dr. Zombek and let's take a look together.
This site’s strategy, design, photo & video were created by the marginally-above-average folks @ Clear Partnering Group.
