During the orthodontic treatment of children with a tongue tie, it is common practice to use a palatal expander.
There are several things you should know about the device to fully understand how it works and how your child’s doctor plans to use it to treat their teeth.
This article will explain the history, functionality, and purpose of the palatal expander for adults and children. Read on and let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is a dental appliance that widens the upper jaw in children and teenagers. The palatal expander candidates are children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing and developing, and treatment is most effective when started at an early age. It is typically fixed to the upper teeth and applies gentle pressure to the palate, gradually widening it over several months.
Understanding the Purpose of Palatal Expander
A palatal expander aims to widen a child’s or adolescent’s upper jaw to correct a narrow jaw. A narrow upper jaw can cause dental and orthodontic problems such as crowding, crossbites, and other bite problems. Using a palatal expander risk, an orthodontist can gradually widen the upper jaw to create more space for the teeth to develop correctly.
Palatable expander advantages apply gentle pressure to the roof of the mouth (the palate), where the appliance is attached to the upper molars with metal bands or wires. The expander is activated by turning a key or screw at regular intervals, which widens the appliance and gradually widens the upper jaw.
By widening the upper jaw with an adult palatal expander solution, an orthodontist can create more space for teeth to erupt in a more natural position, reducing the need for tooth extractions or other orthodontic treatments in the future.
Types of Palatal Expanders
Several palatal expanders may be used to widen the upper jaw, depending on the patient’s specific needs. Here are some of the most common types of palatal expanders:
Haas Expander
This is one of the most commonly used palatal expanders. It is a wire appliance attached to the upper molars and activated by turning a key or screw at regular intervals. The Haas expander can widen the upper jaw by up to 6mm.
Hyrax Expander
This type of expander is similar to the Haas expander but has a broader screw, which allows for more significant expansion. The Hyrax expander can widen the upper jaw by up to 12mm.
Quad Helix Expander
This fixed appliance is attached to the upper molars with metal bands. It has four helix-shaped wires that extend across the palate and apply pressure to the upper teeth. The Quad Helix expander can widen the upper jaw by up to 5mm.
It Helps to Understand What a Palatal Expander Is
A palatal expander is an excellent tool for correcting misaligned teeth and jaw. It helps to create a more expansive palette area for the teeth to fit in and can make a huge difference in a person’s smile.
We recommend asking the dentist about getting a palatal expander if desired. Contact your local orthodontist today to find out more about palatal expanders and the positive impact they could have on you or your child!
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