ProviderWhat Is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion treatment uses an orthodontic device to widen a narrow upper jaw, allowing the teeth to grow in the correct positions in the mouth.
In children, the upper jaw consists of two sides connected by the soft spot in between them. This soft spot runs right down the middle of the upper jaw, allowing it to widen as the mouth grows and develops.
Embarking on palatal expansion process while a child's mouth is still growing helps circumvent or minimize the development of jaw and teeth misalignments. In turn, this can shorten treatment duration with braces or clear aligners in later years.
In some cases, it can have the added benefit of helping the child to eat, breathe, and speak more easily.
The Importance of Early Orthodontics for Kids
Children with developing orthodontic issues often benefit from early orthodontic intervention to prevent or reduce the need for more extensive treatment later in life. Palatal expansion may be part of your child's early orthodontic treatment at Shuswap Orthodontics.
How Palatal Expanders Work
Palatal bones continue to grow until children reach puberty, making the years between five and 11 the ideal time to detect and treat a narrow palate.
Palatal expanders are custom-made, metal appliances that gradually widen the bones that form the palate, creating more space in your child's mouth as the jaw develops and adult teeth emerge.
Palatal expanders are usually fixed in place until the completion of Phase 1 treatment. Parents simply turn the expander at prescribed intervals with a small key to gently expand the palate by a ¼ mm with each turn, helping to increase the width of the upper jaw to accommodate growth.