When a child’s upper jaw is too narrow, the back teeth may not fit together and the adult teeth may run out of room. A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw while a child is still growing. Our pediatric dentists in San Antonio use expanders to correct crossbites and create space for crowded permanent teeth.
Why expand the upper jaw?
The upper jaw is made of two halves joined by a growth seam down the middle of the palate. In children, that seam hasn’t fully fused yet, so steady, gentle pressure can widen the jaw. Once growth slows in the teen years, this becomes much harder, which is why timing matters.
An expander may be recommended for:
- A crossbite, where upper back teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Crowding, when there isn’t enough room for adult teeth
- A high, narrow palate
The width of the upper jaw also shapes the floor of the nose. As part of our airway-focused approach, we pay attention to breathing along with the bite, and we’ll share what we notice. An expander is an orthodontic treatment; it isn’t a treatment for a breathing or sleep condition, and if we have concerns in that area, we’ll talk with you about seeing the right specialist.
What to expect with a palatal expander
Getting it. The expander is custom-made for your child. We take a digital scan or impressions, and at a second visit we attach the expander to the upper back teeth. No numbing is needed.
Turning it at home. In the center of the expander is a small screw. You’ll turn it with a tiny key on a schedule we give you, and we’ll show you exactly how before you leave. Your child may feel pressure in the teeth, nose, or cheeks for a few minutes after each turn. That feeling fades quickly.
A small gap. Many children develop a space between the upper front teeth as the jaw widens. It’s a normal sign the expander is working, and it usually closes on its own over time.
Holding steady. Once the jaw is wide enough, we stop turning, and the expander stays in place for a few more months while the new bone fills in.
Tips for the first week
- Expect speech to sound different for a few days. Reading aloud helps the tongue adjust.
- Start with soft foods, and cut food into small pieces.
- Skip sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, and ice for as long as the expander is in.
- Brush around the expander carefully, and rinse with water after meals to clear trapped food.
- Call us if the expander feels loose or if you’re unsure about a turn.
Palatal expander FAQs
Is a palatal expander painful?
Most children describe pressure rather than pain, mainly for a few minutes after each turn. If needed, ask us about a children’s pain reliever for the first few days.
What is the best age for a palatal expander?
Expansion works best while a child is still growing, often between about ages 7 and 12. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7, which helps us find a narrow jaw in time.
Will my child still need braces or aligners?
Some children do. Expansion creates room and corrects the width of the jaw, which can make later treatment simpler. We’ll keep watching your child’s bite and let you know what to expect.
Related: Early Orthodontic Evaluations, Habit Appliances, Invisalign®, Laser Frenectomies