Here at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, our Specialist Orthodontists may use palatal expanders to widen our patients’ upper jaws and create more space for teeth to address issues such as crowding and crossbites. It is often recommended for children and adolescents, as their jaw bones are still growing and more responsive to expansion.
Palatal expanders use the natural growth potential of young patients' upper jaws. In children and adolescents, the two halves of the palate are not fully fused, connected by a joint called the mid-palatal suture. By applying gentle, consistent pressure, the expander gradually widens this suture, stimulating new bone growth and effectively expanding the upper jaw.
Palatal expansion therapy is recommended for various reasons, including:
Various palatal expander options are available, and your orthodontist will choose the best one for your child's specific needs.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic consultation by age 7. The orthodontist will advise if your child is a candidate for palatal expanders or other early interceptive options that can prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic intervention in the future.