A palate expander is a dental device designed to gradually widen the upper jaw, also known as the maxilla. It is custom-made for each individual and fits in the roof of the mouth. This orthodontic appliance applies gentle, continuous pressure to encourage the expansion of the upper arch. The primary goal of a palate expander is to create more space in the mouth.
Why Palate Expanders Are Used
Palate expanders address a variety of dental and orthodontic issues, such as a narrow upper jaw. One common reason for their use is to correct a crossbite, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum recession, and jaw problems. They also alleviate crowded or overlapping teeth by creating additional space for permanent teeth to align properly.
A narrow upper jaw can also contribute to impacted teeth, which are permanent teeth that cannot erupt due to blockage. Palate expanders can help create the necessary room for these teeth to emerge. Widening the upper jaw can improve breathing issues, such as snoring and mouth breathing, by expanding the nasal passages. This can lead to better airflow and improved sleep quality.
The Expansion Mechanism
The roof of the mouth, or palate, is comprised of two halves of the upper jaw bone joined by the midpalatal suture. In younger individuals, this suture has not yet fully fused, allowing for flexibility and separation. A palate expander works by applying gentle, steady force to these two halves. The device typically attaches to the upper back molars and features a central screw mechanism.
To activate the expander, a small key is inserted into a hole in the screw and turned as instructed by an orthodontist. This action incrementally widens the expander, pushing the two halves of the upper jaw apart. This gradual separation creates a space along the midpalatal suture. As the palate widens, the body regenerates new bone tissue to fill this gap, solidifying the expansion. This process, known as distraction osteogenesis, effectively increases the width of the upper jaw.
Living with a Palate Expander
Adjusting to a palate expander involves several practical considerations. Orthodontists provide a special key and instructions for turning the central screw, often once or twice daily. This activation may cause pressure or mild discomfort in the roof of the mouth, teeth, or around the nose and eyes, which usually subsides within a few days. Some individuals might experience a temporary lisp, changes in speech, or increased saliva production as the mouth adapts.
Eating habits also require adjustment. It is recommended to start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies immediately after placement. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as popcorn, nuts, and caramel, should be avoided to prevent damage or discomfort. Cutting food into small pieces and chewing slowly can help prevent food from getting stuck and make eating more comfortable. Maintaining thorough oral hygiene is important, including brushing around the expander and rinsing after meals to prevent food accumulation. The active expansion phase typically lasts for a few weeks to several months, with the expander remaining in place to stabilize results.
Achieving Lasting Results
After the active expansion phase, the palate expander usually remains in place for four to six months. This retention period allows the new bone formed in the widened suture to mature and solidify. During this time, the body’s bone remodeling process, involving cells that build and resorb bone, strengthens the expanded jaw. This stabilization helps prevent the jaw from shifting back to its original, narrower position.
Once the orthodontist determines the new bone is adequately stable, the expander is removed. The expanded palate provides improved space for permanent teeth to erupt and align correctly, potentially reducing the need for tooth extractions. Long-term benefits include a better-aligned bite, improved facial symmetry, and, in some cases, enhanced breathing and speech. Often, the expander is an initial step in a broader orthodontic treatment plan, followed by braces or retainers to finalize tooth alignment and maintain results.