Benefits of Early Expansion
Some children have a narrow upper jaw, which can lead to crowding, bite issues, or difficulty breathing through the nose. A palatal expander helps guide proper jaw development and creates sufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.
By addressing jaw development early, a palatal expander can treat several orthodontic issues:
- Narrow Upper Jaw: When the upper jaw is smaller than ideal, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to come in straight. Expansion helps widen the jaw to create a healthier foundation for growing smiles.
- Crossbite: If the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, it can be a sign that the upper jaw needs more width. Palatal expansion can correct this imbalance and help the bite fit together more comfortably.
- Crowded or Misaligned Teeth: Limited space in the upper arch can cause teeth to overlap or erupt in the wrong position. Expanding the palate can reduce crowding and support better alignment as permanent teeth come in.
- Teeth That Have Trouble Erupting: In some cases, permanent teeth do not come in as expected due to lack of space. Palatal expansion can help make room for these teeth to emerge naturally.
- Mouth Breathing or Airway Concerns: A narrow upper jaw may be associated with mouth breathing or limited nasal airflow. Expansion can help support improved breathing in certain children.
- Supporting Healthy Growth: By guiding jaw development during growth, palatal expansion can promote balanced facial development and make future orthodontic treatment simpler and more efficient.
Creating Space for Growing Smiles
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that gently widens the upper jaw to create proper space for your child’s growing teeth. In young children, the jaw is still developing, making early treatment both effective and comfortable.
Adjusting the Palatal Expander
The palatal expander puts gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document.
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient's head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
A Gentle Step Toward a Healthy Smile
We understand that orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming as a parent. Our goal is to make the process simple, supportive, and positive to help your child build a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Chesterfield Orthodontics Reviews
This is one of the best orthodontics office around. Me and my brother both had braces. All of the staff are amazing and kind. Never had a bad experience. They did everything they could for us to have the best looking teeth! I would 100% recommend coming here!
The best orthodontist treatment , I ever had . The entire team is awesome . As soon as you walk into the office, you are greeted with pleasant smiles and happy attitudes. The entire team has great energy and I’m so glad I chose to be a patient
I recently took my son to Chesterfield Orthodontics for his orthodontic consultation, and I can't say enough positive things about our experience. From the moment we walked in, the welcoming atmosphere made us feel comfortable. The staff was incredibly friendly and professional, taking the time to explain each step of the process thoroughly. Dr. Yoon was fantastic! He took the time to assess my son's dental needs and answered all our questions, ensuring we felt informed and at ease. Overall, our consultation at Chesterfield Orthodontics was a success. We left feeling positive and informed about the next steps in my son's orthodontic journey. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for outstanding orthodontic care!
Nice office and the people are very kind and friendly!
Fantastic Group. Apmts were on time and efficient, yet the staff was extremely personable. Highly recommend - my daughters invisaline results are amazing.
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Whether you’re in Pasadena or Ellicott City, our doors are open. We’d love to see you for a complimentary evaluation to help you choose the path that feels right for you.
Our Pasadena Office:
8092 Edwin Raynor Blvd, Ste C
Pasadena, MD 21122
(410) 255-0200
Our Ellicott City Office:
9141 Baltimore National Pike, Ste 2C
Ellicott City, MD 21042
(410) 916-5685
