Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that gently widens the upper jaw to create proper space for your child’s growing teeth. In young children, the jaw is still developing, making early treatment both effective and comfortable.

Some children have a narrow upper jaw, which can lead to crowding, bite issues, or difficulty breathing through the nose. A palatal expander helps guide proper jaw development and creates sufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt correctly.

By addressing jaw development early, a palatal expander can treat several orthodontic issues:

• Narrow Upper Jaw: When the upper jaw is smaller than ideal, there may not be enough room for permanent teeth to come in straight. Expansion helps widen the jaw to create a healthier foundation for growing smiles.
• Crossbite: If the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, it can be a sign that the upper jaw needs more width. Palatal expansion can correct this imbalance and help the bite fit together more comfortably.
• Crowded or Misaligned Teeth: Limited space in the upper arch can cause teeth to overlap or erupt in the wrong position. Expanding the palate can reduce crowding and support better alignment as permanent teeth come in.
• Teeth That Have Trouble Erupting: In some cases, permanent teeth do not come in as expected due to lack of space. Palatal expansion can help make room for these teeth to emerge naturally.
• Mouth Breathing or Airway Concerns: A narrow upper jaw may be associated with mouth breathing or limited nasal airflow. Expansion can help support improved breathing in certain children.
• Supporting Healthy Growth: By guiding jaw development during growth, palatal expansion can promote balanced facial development and make future orthodontic treatment simpler and more efficient.

The palatal expander puts gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document.

Step 1

In a well-lit area, tip the patient's head back.

Step 2

Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.

Step 3

Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.

Step 4

Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.

We understand that orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming as a parent. Our goal is to make the process simple, supportive, and positive to help your child build a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.