Palatal expanders are used to widen a patient’s palate (the roof of the mouth), creating more space for their top set of teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child in for their first bite assessment by the time they reach seven.
At this stage in their development, their bite should be established enough to spot orthodontic issues. Early detection is crucial since the developing jaw and craniofacial structures of children are considerably easier to mold than the structures of adults. This can shorten the length of treatment by more than half.
Some of the issues that indicate a patient’s palate might not have enough space include:
Some people are born with smaller palates due to genetic and other factors. Not having enough space in the roof of the mouth leads to orthodontic issues as the child’s permanent teeth start to erupt. Expanders work by gently applying force on the wearer’s palate, encouraging it to grow. This creates more space on the jaw, reducing the risk of orthodontic issues in the future. Expanders also make correcting any existing orthodontic issues easier once space has been created on the patient’s jaw.
Treatments times with palatal expanders are typically somewhere between three to twelve months. Pediatric orthodontists often keep the appliance in place even after the desired growth has been achieved so the palate can solidify in its new shape.
Expanders can be removable or fixed. They are customized for each child, so they fit correctly along the roof of their mouth. The most recommended types of palatal expanders include:
Issues like a child’s palate not having enough room for their teeth are best addressed early while their bones are still developing. Give us a call or visit our Los Angeles clinic to set up an appointment with our pediatric orthodontist.
Request an appointment here: https://nelaortho.com or call NELA Orthodontics at (323) 203-0721 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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