What is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion treatment uses an orthodontic device to widen a narrow upper jaw, enabling the teeth to grow in their proper positions.
In children, the upper jaw consists of two sides joined by a soft spot in the center. This soft spot runs directly down the middle of the upper jaw, allowing it to expand as the mouth grows and develops. Palatal expansion can help when the palate remains too narrow for the teeth to erupt properly.
Starting the palatal expansion process during a child's growth helps prevent or lessen jaw and teeth misalignments. In turn, this can shorten treatment duration with braces or clear aligners in later years.
In some cases, it can also help children eat, breathe, and speak more comfortably.
The Importance of Early Orthodontics for Kids
Early orthodontic intervention for children with developing issues can help prevent or lessen the need for more extensive treatments in the future. Palatal expansion might be included in your child's early orthodontic care at Duong Orthodontics.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones keep growing until puberty, making the ages between five and 11 the best times to identify and address a narrow palate.
Palatal expanders are custom-made metal devices designed to gradually widen the bones of the palate, providing more space in your child's mouth as their jaw develops and adult teeth come in.
Palatal expanders are fixed in place when they're put in. Parents then turn a small key at set intervals, gradually expanding the palate by ¼ mm with each turn. This process aids in widening the upper jaw to support growth.