A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance designed to widen the upper jaw (maxilla). It is mainly used for correcting the posterior dental cross bite, relieving dental crowding, widening the smile arc, and widening the floor of the nasal cavity to improve the nasal airflow.
What is palatal expansion and how does it work?
The goal of palatal expansion is to widen narrow palates in children and correctly align the upper teeth and jaw. This treatment can only be completed before the jaw fully develops. The most effective way to prevent bad bites, crowded teeth, and other misalignment issues is to invest in palatal expansion at a young age.
What happens if a palatal expander is removed too early?
Early removal can cause an immediate relapse of the expansion. Your orthodontist will leave a palatal expander in even after the expansion of the palate is complete. This is because immediately after expansion the body begins to fill in the missing bone at the suture.
Is a palatal expander really necessary to correct a crossbite?
When prescribed by your orthodontic professional, a palatal expander is really necessary to correct the bite. For a posterior crossbite in a child, a palatal expander is the Gold Standard for true skeletal correction. Palatal expanders are necessary to correct skeletal jaw discrepancies.
So, a palate expander is used to expand the upper part of the mouth. This device is designed in a way that can benefit children who are still in their growing stages to remedy orthodontic or dental problems. With the help of the dental expander, the doctor will gradually widen the upper jaw to create more space in the mouth of your child.
How do you get food out of a palatal expander?
Antimicrobial mouthwash can also help remove any food and bacteria stuck under the expander. How much does a palatal expander cost? The cost of treatment depends on your location and the orthodontist you visit. In most cases, a palate expander costs anywhere between $2000 and $3000.
What are the different types of expanders for teeth?
Common types of expanders include: Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) The rapid palatal expander can correct narrow palates, crowding, and crossbites. The appliance fits over a few back teeth in the upper jaw with a screw in the middle.
