One appliance that can make a world of difference in your child’s orthodontic journey is a palatal expander. The thing is, you’ve likely heard stories about these devices before, potentially leading you to believe that they are not so good.
However, as a parent, it’s important to understand why palatal expanders for kids are sometimes necessary. Even though one may be uncomfortable at times, a palatal expander is a simple and highly effective tool to help create more space in your child’s mouth.
Knowing what you’re getting into before having your child undergo orthodontics near Vancouver can help you feel confident in their dental care, so here are five key facts regarding palatal expanders that you should be aware of:
1. What Palatal Expanders Are
Palatal expanders are orthodontic appliances designed to widen the roof of the mouth, also referred to as the upper jaw. In childhood, the upper jaw is composed of two separate bones, which do not completely fuse until after puberty.
Pediatric dentists with experience in orthodontics will often recommend palatal expanders for children whose jaws are still growing, as it is easier to guide the development of the jaw at a younger age.
By creating the necessary space, a palatal expander will provide your child with a healthier bite and straighter teeth. It will also act as a proactive step for their dental health by preventing the need for more invasive orthodontics for kids in the future.
2. How Palatal Expanders Work
A palatal expander gradually widens the upper jaw by applying consistent pressure over time. It is custom-made to fit securely against the upper teeth and features a small screw in the middle that you must adjust with a special key. With each turn of the key, the two sides of the palate gradually widen. Eventually, new bone grows in the space to permanently expand the jaw.
The entire process takes a few weeks or months, depending on how much the jaw must be expanded. And though it may sound scary, the movement is slow and steady, which means any associated pressure is mild. Most kids adapt quickly and experience minimal discomfort.
3. When and Why They Are Needed
Palatal expanders are primarily recommended for kids between the ages of 7 and 14. However, children as young as age 5 may benefit from the device. The goal is to insert the appliance before the adult teeth erupt, but even if your child already has a few, the expander may still work.
In any case, pediatric dentists and orthodontists alike often suggest using an expander to address numerous issues, such as crowding, impacted teeth, and crossbites, which occur when a child’s upper jaw is too narrow to fit correctly with their lower jaw.
4. What to Expect During Treatment
Getting a palatal expander begins with a trip to a dentist who has experience in kids’ braces. They’ll take an impression or digital scan of your child’s mouth to create the appliance. The appliance is then attached to the upper teeth during a fitting.
Your child may feel some pressure or tightness at first, but that discomfort will ease up after just a few days. During the adjustment period, provide soft foods, such as potatoes and soup, and cold treats, like yogurt and pudding, to soothe any discomfort your child might feel.
Keeping the expander clean is vital to their oral health. Your child can brush around the device or use a water flosser or rinse to remove food particles and other debris. Their dental team will show you how to turn the key to adjust it and advise you on how many times to turn it. Typically, it’s once a day.
5. Benefits of Palatal Expanders
There are many benefits of palatal expanders for your child. By creating more space in the upper jaw, they help teeth move into their proper positions, thereby reducing crowding and the risk of misalignment. Expanders also create the opportunity for a healthier bite and simplify future orthodontic treatment.
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of a child receiving a palatal expander early on is the potential to avoid more extensive treatment when they are older. For example, correcting a crossbite and crowding at a young age can stop the need for tooth extractions or jaw surgery as your child grows up.
An expander also helps improve the overall appearance by making the face more symmetrical. It can also help address breathing issues related to a narrow palate. When these issues are corrected early, the palatal expander contributes to a healthier, more comfortable smile that will last a lifetime.
Help Your Child Develop a Healthy Smile
A palatal expander can significantly change your child’s smile. If you think one may be right for your child, look no further than Dr. Mo, a highly trained pediatric dentist who is more than passionate about orthodontics. Contact Must Love Kids today to schedule an appointment!
