Palate expanders are oral devices used to widen a narrow upper jaw. Your orthodontist may recommend a palatal expander if you have a crossbite or crowded teeth.
Depending on your jaw and the complexity of your condition, you might need to wear a palate expander for a few weeks to a year. You’ll also need to adjust the expander as part of your daily exercise.
In this article, you’ll learn how palate expanders widen the jaw and if you need a palatal expander.
What are Palate Expanders?
A palatal expander, also referred to as an orthodontic or palate expander is an orthodontic appliance used to essentially widen the upper jaw so that the upper teeth fit together comfortably with the lower teeth.
This device is attached to the upper arch or roof of the mouth and is used to expand the jaw by gradually moving the two halves of your jawbone apart. It is used to correct a narrow upper jaw and posterior crossbite.
It is mostly prescribed to children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 18. However, it can also be used in adults, although expansion orthodontic treatment takes longer in adults.
Do you need a palatal expander?
A palate expander is used to treat a wide variety of dental anomalies. Your dentist or orthodontist may find a palate expander really necessary in your case if you have:
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping or Crooked teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- An abnormal bite like a crossbite, openbite, or underbite
- A condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
Different types of palate expanders
There are different types of palate expanders available in the market today. From removable to fixed ones that remain in your mouth for several months, there is an orthodontic palate expander for everyone who needs it.
Your dentist or orthodontist will determine the type of expander best suited for your condition and needs.
Removable expanders
If only a small portion of your jaw needs widening, your orthodontist may recommend a removable palate expander. Removable expanders look similar to retainers but are made of chrome instead of acrylic.
You’re meant to wear removable palatal expanders for 24 hours a day. However, dentists recommend you remove them while eating, playing sports, or when brushing your teeth.
Once you get them, you’ll need to visit your dentist twice or thrice a week to get the screw tightened.
Quick Comparison of Palate Expanders:
| Type of Expander | Fixed/Removable | Adjustment Method | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removable Expander | Removable | Adjusted by dentist 2-3x per week | Minor corrections; patients who need flexibility | Made of chrome; worn 24/7 except when eating, playing sports, or brushing |
| Hyrax Expander | Fixed | Daily key-turning by patient | Children/teens with moderate to severe crossbite | Glued to molars; has screw in middle under roof of mouth |
| SARPE | Fixed (with surgery) | Daily activation by patient | Adults with fully fused palates | Surgical separation of arch bones; variant of rapid expansion device |
| Quad Helix | Fixed | Self-expanding (no manual adjustment) | Younger children; patients who can’t manage daily adjustments | Glued to back molars; placed in compressed position and opens over time |
| Haas Expander | Fixed | Manual adjustment (key-turning) | Similar cases to Hyrax; patient preference for acrylic base | Screw positioned in middle of acrylic plate; cemented to back molars |
Hyrax rapid palatal expanders
Unlike the first type of expander, this type is fixed with the help of bands that are designed to fit snugly around each of your back upper teeth. These bands are glued onto the molars with a special dental cement.
This fixed rapid palate expander has bands that are designed to fit snugly around individual back molars. These bands are glued into place on the teeth, securing the expander in place.
This appliance has a screw in the middle under the roof of the mouth. You will be given a special palate expander key to turn a little bit every day. This tension helps guide the palate bones apart, thereby widening your jaw.
SARPE
A variant of this fixed rapid expansion device is the SARPE or surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.
In this technique, the orthodontic expanders are placed directly to your upper jaw followed by a surgical separation of the arch bones. You’ll also need to activate the expander a little every day for it to work optimally.
Quad helix appliances
The quad helix is another type of fixed appliance. It is glued to the back molars and placed in a compressed position. It will open and expand the upper jaw over time.
This expander can widen the jaws on its own without the need for any manual key adjustments at home.
Haas expanders
This type of fixed expander is also cemented to the back molars. The difference is that the screw is positioned in the middle of the acrylic plate.
These expanders are similar to the other manual ones as you’ll be required to adjust for them to allow expansion.
At what age should a child get a palate expander?
Palate expanders work for any individual at any age. However, since the jawbones are still developing in children, orthodontists often recommend children start wearing a palate expander at 7 to 8 years of age.
Palatal expanders work even for adults with a narrow palate and who are seeking upper jaw expansion. However, it usually takes longer to achieve results as the palatal bones are strong and well-developed.
How long do you typically need to wear a palate expander?
In children, palate expanders may be able to widen the jaw to the desired size within 2 to 3 months. The device may be left for another 4 to 6 months. During this time, the two palatal bones fuse together.
It may take teens and adults up to a year to see results using a palate expander.
How to adjust using a palate expander key
If you have a palate expander that requires manual adjustments, your orthodontist will give you strict instructions on how to turn the key. They will also ask you to keep track of the adjustments on a calendar or chart.
These types of palatal expanders have a row of tiny holes that appear one by one as the screw is turned. You will be given an opened paperclip-like device called a key.
Insert the key into the visible hole and rotate towards the back of the mouth. When the rotation is complete, it will cause a new hole to appear.
Risks of orthodontic palatal expanders
One thing to know about palate expanders is that often a space may begin to form between the two front upper teeth. This is a normal side effect of jaw widening. This space often closes on its own over time.
Other temporary side effects of orthodontic palatal expansion devices may include lisping, headaches, drooling, and mild discomfort.
Conclusion
A palatal expander is an appliance used to increase the upper jaw width. It is a viable treatment choice if your upper jaw is too narrow, causing your teeth to crowd or overlap.
An expander works by applying pressure on the jaw bones to separate and create a widened space. Consult your dentist to determine if an expander is suited for you.
FAQs
Can you eat normally with a palate expander?
You’ll need to avoid sticky foods like gum and hard foods like nuts that can damage the expander. Most kids adjust within a week and can eat regular foods cut into smaller pieces.
How do you keep a palate expander clean?
Brush it along with your teeth after meals and use a water flosser to blast out stuck food. Your orthodontist might give you a special syringe to flush underneath it.
How Much Do Palate Expanders Cost?
Palate expanders typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on complexity and location (source)
Does it hurt to adjust palate expanders?
No, it does not hurt to adjust your expander every day. It might only cause a slight tightening sensation on the roof of your mouth.
Are there alternatives to palate expanders?
You may opt for braces or teeth removal if you want to avoid getting palate expanders. For those with dental conditions that cannot be corrected with orthodontic devices, jaw surgery may be your best option.
