A palate expander is an orthodontic device designed to gently widen the upper jaw, known as the maxilla. This appliance aims to correct various dental and jaw issues by creating more space within the oral cavity. This article explores how palate expanders can improve breathing and contribute to better respiratory function.
Understanding Palate Expanders
A palate expander works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the two halves of the upper jaw, joined by the mid-palatal suture. In younger individuals, this suture is not yet fully fused, allowing for gradual separation. The device typically consists of two halves connected by a screw mechanism, often attached to the back upper teeth. As the screw is incrementally turned with a special key, the expander slowly pushes the jaw halves apart.
This process, known as rapid palatal expansion (RPE), encourages new bone to grow in the widened space, making the expansion permanent. Physical changes include a wider upper dental arch and an expanded palate. While the expander remains in place for several months after the active expansion phase to allow the new bone to solidify, this widening creates additional room for teeth and helps correct bite misalignments.
How Palate Expansion Impacts Breathing
A narrow upper jaw can restrict the space within the oral cavity and nasal passages, potentially obstructing airways. Palate expansion directly addresses this by increasing the width of the upper jaw, which expands the floor of the nasal cavity above it. This structural change increases the overall volume of the nasal cavity, allowing for improved airflow through the nose.
By widening the palate, this also creates more space for the tongue within the mouth. A narrow palate can force the tongue to rest in a lower or more backward position, potentially blocking the airway, especially during sleep. With increased oral volume, the tongue can adopt a more forward and elevated resting posture, reducing the likelihood of airway obstruction. This facilitates a shift from mouth breathing to more beneficial nasal breathing, which is important for overall respiratory health.
Breathing Conditions Addressed by Palate Expansion
Palate expansion can offer relief for several breathing-related conditions by improving nasal airflow and creating more space in the airway. Chronic mouth breathing, often due to insufficient nasal airflow from a narrow upper jaw, can be alleviated as nasal passages become wider and more efficient. This transition to nasal breathing helps reduce dry mouth and improve sleep quality.
Snoring, which results from soft tissue vibration in a constricted airway, may also be reduced through palate expansion. By widening the upper jaw and nasal passages, the expander helps to open the airway, decreasing the resistance to airflow that contributes to snoring. Palate expansion is also recognized for its role in addressing sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in children. Studies indicate that rapid maxillary expansion can lead to measurable improvements in nasal airway volume and reduce nocturnal respiratory issues in pediatric patients with OSA.
Important Considerations and Professional Guidance
Palate expansion is most effective in growing children and adolescents because their mid-palatal suture has not yet fully fused. This flexibility allows for skeletal expansion, meaning the actual bone structure can be widened. Orthodontists often recommend starting treatment around ages 7 to 8, before the jawbones solidify.
While primarily used in children, adult options for palate expansion exist, such as Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) or Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE). These methods are necessary because the adult palate is fully fused, requiring additional intervention. Results can vary among individuals and are not guaranteed for everyone. Consulting with an orthodontic or dental professional is important to determine suitability, receive an accurate diagnosis, and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.