A palate (or palatal) expander is a common device used in early orthodontic interventions. Attached to the upper back teeth, a palate expander gently widens the upper jaw over time.
A palate expander can be used to treat several dental conditions. Below, we break down how it works, who it’s most helpful for, the different types of expanders, and how long a person typically needs to wear one.
What Does a Palate Expander Do?
When you get braces, your teeth move slightly as they straighten out. For some patients, this is no problem. But for those with crowded teeth, their teeth have no room to spread out.
A palatal expander solves this problem. Made of metal and acrylic, it is custom-made to fit against the roof of your mouth and is either bonded in place or secured to your back teeth. Over time, the palate expander slowly widens your jaw, creating more space for teeth as they straighten out.
Types of Palate Expanders
So how exactly does a palatal expander widen your upper jaw? That comes down to the type of expander you have.
Fixed expander
This is the most common type of palate expander. Also called a rapid palate expander, this device is secured to your upper back teeth.
This type of expander often has a small screw in the middle of the device. Patients are given a key to turn this screw. When they turn the key, the device expands outward a very small amount. Turning this screw regularly, sometimes once a day, gradually widens your jaw over time.
Some patients may not need to adjust their expanders at home. In this case, the orthodontist will expand the device during their visits.
Removable expander
If you only need a little more room for your teeth, your provider may recommend a removable expander. This expander isn’t bonded in place and is able to be removed for eating and cleaning.
How Long Do You Wear a Palate Expander?
The duration of needing a palatal expander depends on the patient. On average, a patient will need to wear a palate expander between 3 to 6 months.
For some patients, the expander will be placed prior to getting braces, to get a headstart on making room for the shifting teeth. Others will have an expander secured at the same time they get their braces on.
Who Needs a Palate Expander?
Palate expanders are most successful with children. Because their jaw bones haven’t fully developed, they can more easily be widened through the use of the expander.
Adults can use a palatal expander, but this is typically reserved for severe cases. For adults, the expander may need to be surgically implanted.
Palate expanders are most beneficial for children who have crowded teeth, overlapping teeth, or impacted teeth. They can be a key treatment plan in interceptive orthodontics.
Does a Palate Expander Hurt?
Patients often report feeling a dull soreness after the expander is initially placed. While you might feel sore after your first few adjustments, your mouth tends to get used to the pressure.
Very few people ever experience sharp pain or high levels of discomfort.
What to Expect Wearing a Palate Expander
Your first few days, you may notice that it feels different to talk or eat. This is perfectly normal. Your tongue is now moving slightly differently inside your mouth, which can affect how you say words. As you get used to your expander, your speech will begin to return to normal.
You’ll also learn which foods are easiest to eat and how you can position your food to chew it properly. It’s important to keep your expander food-free, and a water floss can be a very helpful tool for cleaning.
How Much Do Palate Expanders Cost?
A palate expander typically costs between $1000 and $3000. However, your insurance policy could cover part or the majority of the bill. At Greeley Family Orthodontics, we work with most major insurance companies, including Medicaid. Contact our treatment team to learn more about how we work with insurance.
Trust Greeley Family Orthodontics for Early Orthodontic Interventions
For 20 years, we’ve been helping children, teens, and adults develop beautiful, healthy smiles. We’re experienced working with patients of all ages and pride ourselves on a comforting environment. Contact the Greeley Family Orthodontics team today to learn more about or schedule early orthodontic interventions.