If your child has a mouth that is crowded with teeth, then orthodontics will probably be suggested to help with dental straightening. And, while braces may be used exclusively to shift the teeth around, oftentimes orthodontic appliances and devices are needed for assistance. One of these devices is called a palatal expander. Keep reading to learn what this is and what you can expect when your child uses it. 

What Is A Palatal Expander?

A palatal expander is a device that actually forces the upper palate to widen over time. Essentially, it forces direct pressure onto the bone that makes up the upper palate. The pressure causes the breakdown of old bone cells. The body senses that there is a need for additional bone material in the area and new bone is laid down. The tissue is typically thick and strong to withstand the pressure and stress from the expander. This is a process called remodeling and it is done slowly to both reduce pain and to ensure that the bone is strong and tough.

The palatal expander itself is a stainless steel construction with a central point where a screw is held. The screw has a single hole in the middle where a small device called a screw can be inserted. As the key is twisted, the expander moves outward and the frame is pressed against the palate at the base of the molars. The metal frame sits at four points within the mouth and your child's orthodontist may choose to adjust the frame so it is closer to the front of the mouth or positioned more towards the back. This depends on the size and shape of the palate and where expansion is needed most.

What Can You Expect?

Since the palatal expander sits against the roof of the mouth, you can expect your child to have some difficulty with chewing and speaking within the first few months after placement. Encourage your son or daughter to practice speaking and speak with the orthodontist to see if wax can be used to keep tongue cuts to a minimum.

Some soreness is expected with the expander, so think about having some ibuprofen on hand in case your child complains of soreness. And, since the device is tightened once every two to four weeks, so you can expect this sort of discomfort on a regular basis. 

Typically, you can expect the expander to be utilized first before braces are placed on the teeth. This way, there is more than enough room in the mouth to shift the teeth around. The device can extend the tooth straightening process by a year or more, but in the long run, the teeth with be positioned more naturally for better aesthetics and function.

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