How painful is a palate expander?

Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.

What is the best age to get a palate expander?

A palate expander is effective when used at a young age. Typically, pre-pubescent kids use the expander before sutures close or grow. However, the ideal age of getting palatal expander is 12 to 13 years, especially for girls and 13 to 14 years for boys.

Is a palate expander worth it?

When prescribed by your orthodontic professional, a palatal expander is really necessary to correct the bite. For a posterior crossbite in a child, a palatal expander is the Gold Standard for true skeletal correction. Palatal expanders are necessary to correct skeletal jaw discrepancies.

How much does palate expander surgery cost?

The cost of treatment depends on your location and the orthodontist you visit. In most cases, a palate expander costs anywhere between $2000 and $3000. Since palatal expansion is medically necessary, most insurance plans cover most or all of the treatment costs.

Will a palate expander change the face?

Does Palatal Expander Change Face Shape? Palate expander will not make your face wider. However, if you have a facial asymmetry associated with posterior dental cross bite, then palatal expander can improve your facial asymmetry.

What foods you can not eat with palatal expander?

Include lots of fruits and vegetables, along with meat, milk and whole grain bread. Do not eat sticky or chewy foods such as gum, taffy, caramels or licorice. Do not eat hard foods like ice, nuts or popcorn. Whole raw carrots, celery and apples should be cut into bite-size pieces.

How do I know if I need a palate expander?

You will need to wear an expander if you have a crossbite. This is when your upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw, causing the top back teeth to be inside the lower back teeth. The expander makes room for your teeth and removes the crossbite.

Do expanders widen your face?

Additional orthodontic work is sometimes needed in more severe cases. A Herpst appliance or a palatal expander can move the jaw or widen the upper jaw. The ultimate result is a new smile and, in most moderate to severe cases, orthodontics change the shape of your face – subtly.

Do expanders make your nose bigger?

Do expanders make your nose bigger? “The palatal expander works to spread the bone suture on the palate, which is also the floor of the nose. Depending on the amount of spreading of the palate, the nose can definitely get wider.

How can I expand my palate without expander?

There are ways to widen the upper dental arch without using an expander, but often a cemented palatal expander is the best solution. Sometimes the upper posterior teeth are tipped inward and the arch wires in braces can tip them outward, which will make the upper jaw wider without the need for an expander.

Do expanders change your face?

What can a palate expander be used for?

A palate expander is a dental appliance that is used to specifically widen the roof of the mouth. They are used to correct many possible scenarios in a patient’s mouth.

When to use a palate expander for maxillary transverse deficiency?

If the lower teeth and jaw are positioned in front of their upper teeth and jaw (underbite). If the lower jaw appears to be unusually large. Although, the lack of upper jaw development is usually the actual cause of this abnormality. Palate expanders also treat maxillary transverse deficiency.

Where does an expander go in a child’s mouth?

Your child’s orthodontist will put together a custom-made expander that goes into the back of the mouth and fits over some of the top teeth. The expander has two halves and a screw is what connects them in the middle. Turning the screw little by little will activate the device and this is done with a special key.

When to get a palatal expander for a posterior crossbite?

For a posterior crossbite in a child, a palatal expander is the Gold Standard for true skeletal correction. Palatal expanders are necessary to correct skeletal jaw discrepancies. When the upper jaw is more narrow than the lower jaw, your child will have a bite problem. This includes a crossbite on one side or both sides in the most extreme cases.