Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders help create more space in a child’s mouth by gently widening the upper jaw. This works well in children because the upper jaw is still developing and the two halves haven’t fully fused yet. Expansion happens slowly over a few months and is usually easy for kids to tolerate.
Why Expanders Are Used
-
Crossbite: When the upper jaw is too narrow and upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
-
Crowding: Not enough space for incoming permanent teeth.
-
Impacted Teeth: Helps blocked teeth (often canines) erupt into the correct position.
-
Expanders can also improve breathing, create a broader smile, and may reduce the need for tooth extractions later on.
How They Work
The expander is custom-made and fits on the upper back teeth. It has a small screw in the center that is turned daily with a special key. This slowly moves the bones apart to widen the jaw. After reaching the goal, the appliance stays in place for a few more months so new bone can form and stabilize the expansion. Most children wear it for 3–6 months total.
What to Expect
Kids may feel mild pressure for a few minutes after turning the key. Eating and speaking may feel different at first as the tongue gets used to the appliance. A small gap may appear between the front teeth — this is normal and shows the expander is working.
​
Once treatment is complete, there will be proper space for permanent teeth to come in and a healthier, more aligned smile!
