Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders may be used for crowded, overlapping, crooked, or impacted teeth, difficulty chewing, or a crossbite, open bite, overbite, or underbite. Widening can make room for teeth and improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Minor discomfort can occur for the first few days with a new palatal expander, and some people feel slight discomfort after turning the key. Severe pain or discomfort is not expected.

Temporary effects while getting used to an expander can include mild discomfort, headaches, drooling, lisping, and spacing between the front teeth. Orthodontic treatment can correct that front-tooth spacing.

A rapid palatal expander commonly takes three to six months to reach the desired width. In teenagers and adults, whose bones are more developed, expansion may take up to one year.

A rapid expander sits in the roof of the mouth and is attached to the back upper teeth. Turning its central screw a little each day creates tension that moves the two palatal bones apart.

Getting used to a palatal expander can take time. Early tenderness, drooling, and a lisp can occur, while the gradual widening process continues for weeks or months depending on the appliance and age.

Palatal expanders may be removable, rapid, surgically assisted, or implant-supported. Surgically assisted expanders are used for moderate to severe cases or when facial bones are fully developed, while implant-supported devices apply force through four mini dental implants.

With a rapid device, a special key turns the small central screw a little each day until the intended width is reached. This daily activation separates the palatal bones gradually rather than all at once.

A palatal expander fits in the roof of the mouth and is used to widen a narrow upper jaw. That widening can create more room for teeth or improve the bite.