A major benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment in childhood is that it's possible to take full advantage of the natural growth process to treat or even prevent future dental issues. A palatal expander is a device designed to help orthodontists do that.

Palatal expanders create more space in a child's mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. Although this might sound scary, it's really quite painless and easy to manage. Keep reading to find out how palatal expanders could help your child!

1. It widens your jaw to make room for more teeth

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) the upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars and premolars each time an adjustment is made. This helps reduce crowding because as it widens the jaw, it creates space for new permanent teeth. Down the road, this will help prevent the need for teeth extraction when it comes time for orthodontic work.

Expansion of the upper jaw can facilitate breathing through the nose, as it expands the nasal airway. For young children, especially those who breathe heavily through their mouth, this can help with a wide range of common health issues. Palatal expanders have been found to have positive effects on bed wetting, teeth grinding, snoring, & can even reduce the risk of sleep apnea!

When a child's upper jaw is too narrow to fit correctly with the lower jaw, the back top teeth will bite inside of the lower teeth instead of outside. This can be corrected by widening the upper jaw, which is exactly what palatal expanders are for! Whether your child suffers from a unilateral or bilateral crossbite, expanders can solve the issue & set them up for a smooth experience with orthodontia later down the line.

Sometimes when a child’s teeth are overcrowded, it doesn’t leave room for new growth to break through. When a tooth that hasn't come in (erupted) yet and is blocked by existing teeth, they become impacted which can be painful & requires oral surgery to fix. Widening the upper jaw allows the teeth to erupt into proper positions on their own.

When the upper jaw is narrow, the fit between the upper and lower back teeth is affected, forcing a child to (subconsciously) pick one preferred chewing side. In so doing, the lower jaw is kept off to the opposite side (which accentuates the crossbite of the teeth) & could result in permanent asymmetry. Expanding the upper jaw early can remove the dental interferences and allow the lower jaw to “center” itself below the upper jaw for an aesthetically pleasing, broad “Hollywood smile”!

When it comes to the oral health of your child, being proactive is always the best course of action. If you’re considering orthodontic care or want to learn more about how palatal expanders could be right for your child, set up your complimentary consultation with Brinley Orthodontics today.