Dr. Karen Conn of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics explores why timing of early orthodontic intervention is key and how a palate expander can make a significant difference.
As an orthodontist, one of the most common questions I receive from parents is about the right timing for orthodontic treatment, particularly for a palate expander. It’s a great question because, when it comes to guiding jaw development and creating a healthy foundation for your child's smile, timing is everything.
A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance used to gradually widen the upper jaw. The upper jaw, or maxilla, is made up of two bones that are joined together at a seam down the middle. In children, this seam, known as the midpalatal suture, is still soft and has not yet fused. A narrow upper jaw can lead to a number of issues, including crowded teeth, a crossbite, and in some cases, can even affect a child’s ability to breathe properly.
The short answer is: before puberty. The most effective age for palatal expansion is typically during childhood, often between the ages of 7 and 10. This is because a child’s jawbones are still growing and are highly malleable. The midpalatal suture is still unfused, which means we can apply gentle, consistent pressure with the expander to encourage the two halves of the jaw to separate and widen. This process is relatively quick and comfortable for the child.
While it is possible to use a palate expander in teenagers and adults, it is a much more complex process. By the time a person reaches their teens, the midpalatal suture has often fused, requiring surgical assistance to achieve the same result. This is known as a surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE). The non-surgical expansion of the jaw is far less predictable and often has less stable results in adults.
Early intervention, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment, is a proactive approach that focuses on addressing skeletal and jaw-related issues before all the permanent teeth have erupted. By correcting a narrow jaw early, we can:
A consultation with an orthodontist is the best way to determine if your child needs a palate expander and if so, the best time to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early check-up allows orthodontists to monitor your child's dental and facial growth and identify any potential issues that could benefit from early intervention.
A proper orthodontic evaluation is more than just looking at the teeth; it involves a comprehensive assessment of the jaw, facial structure, and tooth eruption. We look at the bigger picture to create a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
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Karen Conn, DMD, MS is a Board-certified orthodontist and co-owner of Bryn Mawr Orthodontics (Bryn Mawr, PA), where she specializes in Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults. She has been recognized as a Philadelphia Magazine Top Dentist, Main Line Today Top Dentist, Suburban Family Top Orthodontist, and is among the nation’s top 1% of Invisalign providers. Dr. Conn received her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Temple University, where she also earned a master's degree in Oral Biology.
Bryn Mawr Orthodontics is an award-winning practice that was voted the Best Orthodontist in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2024 and 2025 Philly Favorites contests. Bryn Mawr Orthodontics serves its neighbors in Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Villanova, Ardmore, Haverford, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Penn Valley, Bala Cynwyd, Merion, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.
To learn more about Bryn Mawr Orthodontics, visit https://www.brynmawrorthodontics.com/. Contact the office today (484-383-0055) or complete this form to schedule a free consultation.
