ProviderWhat Is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion treatment uses an orthodontic device to gently increase the width of a narrow upper jaw, allowing more room for the teeth to grow in correctly.
In children, the upper jaw consists of two sides connected by a soft spot in between them. This soft spot runs right down the middle of the upper jaw, allowing it to widen as the mouth grows and develops.
Embarking on the palatal expansion process while a child's mouth is still growing helps circumvent or minimize the development of jaw and teeth misalignments. In turn, this can reduce the duration of treatment with braces or clear aligners in later years.
In some cases, it can have the added benefit of helping the child to eat, breathe, and speak more easily.
The Importance of Early Orthodontics for Children
Kids with emerging orthodontic issues often benefit from early orthodontic intervention to reduce the need for more extensive treatment later in life. Palatal expansion may be part of your child's early orthodontic treatment at Meldrum Orthodontics.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones continue to grow until children reach puberty, making the years between five and 11 the ideal time to detect and treat a narrow palate.
Palatal expanders are custom-made, metal appliances that gradually spread the bones that form the palate, creating more space in your child's mouth as the jaw develops and adult teeth emerge.
Palatal expanders are usually fixed in place until the completion of Phase 1 treatment. Parents use a small key to turn the expander at prescribed intervals, gently expanding the palate by ¼ mm with each turn. This process helps increase the width of the upper jaw to accommodate growth.