Are your child's teeth crooked and crowded together? When you went to see the dentist, did he tell you that the upper teeth in the mouth are crooked, meaning that the upper palate is a little narrow and needs to be widened? When you hear that, you may be wondering what kind of thing that is, will it hurt, or will it be uncomfortable for the child. Don't worry, today we will talk about everything very simply.
Simply put, what is this Palate Expander?
A Palate Expander is a small device that is placed on the roof of your mouth. It is sometimes called an orthodontic expander. Its main function is to gradually widen the narrow upper jaw. Remember, the roof of our mouth is not made up of a single bone. It is made up of two parts that are joined in the middle. This device works by very slowly and gently moving the two parts to the sides, widening the upper jaw.
This is most often used for young children, but sometimes younger children and adults may also need it.
Who needs a device like this?
There are several reasons why your orthodontist may recommend this device. The main reason is that there is not enough space for the upper teeth to fit properly.
| Problem | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Crowded teeth | The teeth don't have room to line up properly, so they look crowded and pulled together. |
| Crooked teeth | Because there is not enough space, the teeth do not come straight up and fall into the bed. |
| Misaligned bite | When the mouth is closed, the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. There are various conditions for this, such as crossbite and open bite . This problem is most common when the upper jaw is narrow. |
| Impacted teeth | Due to lack of space, some permanent teeth may become stuck inside the gums and not come out. |
| Feeding difficulties | Because the teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause difficulty when eating. |
This device widens the upper jaw, creating more space for the teeth. The upper and lower teeth begin to align properly. It can sometimes provide some relief to children and adults who have obstructive sleep apnea.
What is the best age to put this on?
A palate expander can be placed on someone of any age. However, the best results are achieved at a young age . Doctors usually recommend starting this at around 7-8 years of age.
The reason for this is that young children's jaw bones are not yet fully developed and fused together, so it is very easy to separate the suture in the middle of the upper palate.
By getting this treatment done at such a young age, there is a great chance of avoiding things like having to have teeth extracted or major surgeries in the future. Typically, children can get the desired results in as little as two to three months.
But if you put this on a young person or an adult, their jawbones are very strong and fused together, so it takes a long time to widen it. Maybe a year or more.
What types of Palate Expanders are there?
There are several types of expanders to use depending on your needs. Let's take a look at the main types.
1. Removable Palate Expander
This is similar to a retainer that is placed after braces. However, it is made of chrome. If you do not need to widen your upper jaw very much, that is, if you only need a small expansion, your doctor may recommend this type.
2. Rapid Palate Expander (RPE)
This is the most commonly used type. It is designed to fit snugly on the roof of the mouth and is attached to the back of the upper teeth. It has a small screw in the middle. You have to turn the screw a little every day with a special wrench that you are given. The pressure created by turning it causes the two bones of the roof of the mouth to slowly move to the sides.
This RPE device can widen the skin by about 0.5 millimeters per day. The desired results are usually achieved within 3-6 months.
3. Surgically Assisted Rapid Palate Expander (SARPE)
This is usually used for adults because their jawbones are very fixed. This method is also used when the upper jaw needs to be widened a lot. Here, an oral surgeon intervenes and loosens the mid-palatal suture through a small operation. After that, the expander is installed. Like the RPE, this one is also widened by turning it with a wrench.
4. Implant-supported Palate Expander
This is also a special method used for young and old people. Here, instead of attaching the expander to the teeth, it is attached to four mini dental implants that are attached directly to the jawbone. This way, the pressure is transferred directly to the jawbone, rather than to the teeth. This also requires the assistance of an oral surgeon.
Does it hurt when I put this on? What are the discomforts?
Like anything new, you may feel some discomfort and pressure for the first few days after putting this in. That's normal. Also, you may feel a little tightness and pain after turning the wrench and tightening the screw every day.
At times like this, you can talk to your doctor and take a simple painkiller like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
But remember, this shouldn't cause unbearable pain. If you have severe pain, or anything else unusual, you should call your dentist right away .
| Advantages | Risks & Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Many problems like teeth grinding and clenching can be solved. | Feeling a little pain or pressure in the first few days. |
| If done at a young age, you can prevent having to undergo major surgery in the future. | Some people may get headaches. |
| While this is in place, other treatments, such as braces, can be performed. | Drooling may increase slightly. |
| The airway also widens, making it easier to breathe through your nose. | Difficulty pronouncing certain letters like "स" and "च" when speaking (Lisping). But you get used to these after a while. |
| A small gap appears between the two front teeth (anterior teeth). Don't worry, this shows that the expander is working. Later, dental wires are inserted to close this gap. |
How do you keep this clean?
When you have this in place, there is a greater chance that food particles and dirt will accumulate in it. If this happens, you may develop bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Therefore , it is essential to clean it thoroughly every day . Your doctor will tell you how to clean it and what special brushes to use.
How long should I wear the Palate Expander?
The time it takes for this to happen varies from person to person. It depends on your age, the extent of the narrowness of your jaw, and whether you follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
For example, an 8-year-old child may need a month or two to widen their upper jaw. However, for an adult, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
But there is another important thing. Once the jaw has widened to the desired size, the expander is not removed immediately . It is left in place for another 4-6 months. The reason for this is that new bone needs to grow in the newly formed gap and be given time to strengthen. Otherwise, if it is removed, the jaw may narrow again.
Is this really necessary?
Yes. If your upper jaw is narrow due to a skeletal issue, this device is essential to correct it. Braces can only move your teeth. Braces cannot widen your jawbone. Therefore, your dentist will examine you and tell you exactly whether you need this device or not.
Does this change the appearance of the face?
No. This is a question that many people ask. A palate expander only widens your upper jaw. It does not change the appearance or shape of your face . Some studies have shown that it also slightly widens the nasal cavity, which can reduce the obstruction of nasal breathing.
If you or your child has problems with teeth grinding or clenching, the best thing to do is to see a qualified dentist for advice. He or she will refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. Then you can decide on the best treatment plan to improve your smile and keep your teeth healthy.
Take-Home Message
- A Palate Expander is a dental device used to gradually widen a narrow upper jaw.
- This is a good solution to problems such as teeth crowding, crowding, and jaw misalignment.
- The best results are achieved if treatment is started at a young age (7-8 years). It takes longer for adults.
- It is normal to feel some discomfort and pain in the first few days. If you experience unbearable pain, inform your doctor immediately.
- Even after the jaw widens, you will have to wear this for a few more months to strengthen the bones.
- You need to be very careful about oral hygiene while wearing this.
- This won't change the appearance of your face. Don't worry about it.
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