Palate expanders are effective in widening the mouth and ideal for patients who are suffering from crowded teeth, impacted teeth, cross bites, or breathing problems. They are custom made for every patient and fit over several top teeth in the back of the mouth.
A palate expander features two halves that are connected in the middle with a screw and can be activated by using a special key to turn the screw a small amount each day.
By activating the palatal, tension at the junction of the two palatal bones increases and allows the bones to gradually move apart. With a palate expander, patients can enjoy a broader, more attractive smile.
If your child receives palate expanders, you can expect for them to feel uncomfortable at first. They may have trouble chewing, swallowing, and talking for a couple of days. Soreness and tingling in the mouth and nose and slight headaches may also arise. However, after a few days, your child will get used to their palate expander and notice that their device is working when they see a space between their front teeth.
In addition to wondering how a palate expander will affect their child when it gets secured to their mouth, parents often ask the team at Gladwell Orthodontics how long the palate expander will stay in. Although the answer to this question varies from patient to patient, Dr. Jason Gladwell usually keeps palate expanders in for 6 to 9 months for pre-teenagers and 4 to 6 months for teenagers.
Since removing the expander too early can cause your child’s teeth to relapse back towards their original teeth, it’s essential that you and your child remain patient throughout the entire treatment process.
Interested in a Palate Expander for Your Child? Call Gladwell Orthodontics Today
If you believe that your child could benefit from a palate expander, we encourage you to contact Gladwell Orthodontics at (919) 453-6325. In an in person appointment, Dr. Gladwell will evaluate your child’s oral condition and determine whether a palate expander or braces make sense for their particular situation.
