ProviderWhat is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion treatment consists of an orthodontic device designed to help widen a narrow upper jaw. This allows the teeth to grow in the correct positions in the mouth.
In children, the upper jaw consists of two sides connected by a soft spot in between them. This soft spot runs right down the middle of the upper jaw, and widens as their mouth grows and develops. Palatal expansion is used when the palate stays too narrow for their upper teeth to come in.
By beginning palatal expansion when your child's mouth is still growing can help minimize or prevent jaw and teeth misalignments from developing. 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.
Importance of Early Orthodontics for Kids
Children with developing orthodontic issues can often benefit from early intervention to prevent or reduce the need for more extensive treatment later in life. Palatal expansion may be part of your child's orthodontic treatment at Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones continue to grow until children reach puberty, making the years between five and 11 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 and create more space in a child's mouth as the jaw develops and adult teeth emerge. Palatal expanders are usually fixed in place until the completion of treatment.
Parents are responsible for adjusting the expanders slowly over time. To do this, you simply turn the expander at prescribed intervals with a small key to gently expand the palate by a ¼ mm with each turn, helping to increase the width of the upper jaw to accommodate growth. Your orthodontist can give you a specific timeline on when the expander should be adjusted and by how much.