What Is a Palatal Expander? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

A palatal expander is a popular oral device that is used to remedy a number of dental conditions. If you or your child has a crossbite or a narrow jaw, the result could be improper tooth alignment, tooth decay, and pain. Here at Sencak Orthodontics, we fit palatal expanders to help people get the smile they deserve. Contact us today to learn more.

 

Enhance the Natural Beauty of Your Smile

At Sencak Orthodontics, we are devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. Our orthodontic practice caters to both children and adults, and our use of palatal expanders is designed to help you overcome dental conditions that can be affecting your smile.

Our focus on training and expertise, high standards, and uncompromising safety has made us a leader in orthodontic care in Cranberry, Zelienople, Robinson and Canfield.

Enhance the Natural Beauty of Your Smile

At Sencak Orthodontics, we are devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. Our orthodontic practice caters to both children and adults, and our use of palatal expanders is designed to help you overcome dental conditions that can be affecting your smile.

Our focus on training and expertise, high standards, and uncompromising safety has made us a leader in orthodontic care in Cranberry, Zelienople, Robinson and Canfield.

What Is a Palatal Expander?

A palatal expander is an oral device used to gradually expand the roof of the mouth, in order to widen the jaw. If you or your child have improper tooth alignment due to a narrow jaw, a lower palate expander can help. A narrow jaw can also reduce gum space and result in impacted teeth.

Palatal expanders are also beneficial in treating crossbites, a common dental malocclusion. A crossbite causes the upper set of teeth to sit inside the lower set, which can result in a number of complications. These include tooth decay, pain, and sleep apnea.

Here at Sencak Orthodontics, we are adept at fitting palate expanders for adults and children. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Different Available Types?

We work with a number of different types of palate expanders and will recommend the most suitable type for you or your child. One such option is a removal palate expander, which can be removed for eating, playing sports, or cleaning teeth. Other common types of palate expanders include hyrax rapid palatal expander, quad helix expander, and Hass expander.

What Is the Treatment Duration?

The exact treatment duration when using a palate expander will depend on the specific care, though they work quickest with children. This is because the jawbone does not form completely until after puberty.

In children, a palate expander may widen the jaw within two to three months, though it will be left in place for up to six more months. In older teenagers and adults with fully developed jaws, the process will take longer, as much as a year or more.

Choose An Expert In Palate Expanders

Sencak Orthodontics has a reputation as one of the leading dental practices in Pennsylvania and Ohio. We successfully treat both adults and children who have issues related to narrow jaw widths, such as tooth misalignment and crossbites. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation.