A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance placed on the roof of the mouth to gently widen the upper jaw, alleviating issues like crowding, crossbites, and other issues. In children, the upper jaw is made of two separate halves joined by the midpalatal suture. This suture does not fuse until puberty, allowing the jaw to be gently widened to correct the bite.
While expansion is most common in growing children, Dr. Conn and Dr. Segal also offer advanced techniques for older teens and adults whose jaw bones are fused. Utilizing specialized procedures like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) or SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion), many adult patients can still be candidates for expansion and bite correction, allowing them to achieve a healthier bite without the need for traditional, complex surgery.
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A posterior crossbite occurs when the upper back teeth bite inside the lower back teeth, rather than slightly outside them. Fixing this is essential because a crossbite can lead to uneven wear on the teeth and can negatively impact the way the jaw functions and grows.
When the upper jaw is too narrow, a child often has to shift their lower jaw (mandible) to one side to get their teeth to meet comfortably. This is known as a functional shift. If left uncorrected, the lower jaw may grow asymmetrically. An expander ensures the lower jaw can grow straight and centered, promoting balanced facial development.
By widening the jaw, we create room for in crowded situations. This can reduce the risk of teeth from becoming impacted and can sometimes eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions in the future.
A narrow jaw can restrict the nasal airway. Widening the palate can increase the volume of the nasal cavity and create more space for the tongue, which may improve a child's ability to breathe comfortably through their nose.
Your journey begins with a thorough clinical examination. Our doctors will evaluate your child’s bite, facial symmetry and growth, airway health, and teeth to determine if an expander is the appropriate choice for their development. We use digital scans and 3D imaging to get a precise look at the jaw structure and tooth eruption.
Your expander is custom-made to fit your child’s unique anatomy. The placement process is designed to be stress-free and efficient; the appliance is bonded to the upper molars in a matter of moments, making it an easy experience for children. Our team will then provide clear instructions on how to activate the expander at home.
Once the desired expansion is achieved, the active phase is complete. However, the appliance remains in place for 6 months. This holding phase is crucial because it allows new bone to form in the space created, ensuring the results are stable and long-lasting.
A gap (diastema) appearing between the two front teeth is a completely normal sign that the jaw is widening successfully. This gap is temporary; the teeth will naturally return toward their original positions during the holding (retention) phase.
Most patients feel a slight sense of pressure for a few seconds after a turn, but the palate expansion process is rarely described as painful. Because we are working with the natural development of a child’s jaw, the body adapts very quickly.
No. At Bryn Mawr Orthodontics, we are very selective. We only recommend an expander when there is a clear functional, dental, or skeletal need. We provide honest, transparent advice and only recommend treatment if it is truly beneficial to the patient's long-term health.
The most effective window for expansion, often part of what is called Phase I treatment, is typically between ages 7 and 10, while the jaw bones are still malleable. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a child’s first orthodontic evaluation be no later than age 7.
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