Ever wondered what it’s like to have a palatal expander? Our awesome patients are here to tell you! 🎤 Watch as they answer some common questions and share their experience.

◦ Q: Does it hurt? A: Slight pressure, no pain!

◦ Q: Can you eat normally? A: Mostly, just avoid sticky foods!

◦ Q: How do you clean it? A: Special brush & water flosser!

◦ Q: Why get one? A: To create space for a beautiful smile!

Palatal Expanders for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to orthodontic care, many parents are familiar with braces, but not everyone has heard of

a palatal expander. This gentle device can make a big difference in your child’s smile and oral health —

often before braces are even needed.

What Is a Palatal Expander?

A palatal expander is a small orthodontic appliance that sits in the roof of your child’s mouth. Its job is to

widen the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure over time. Since children’s bones are still growing,

expanders take advantage of this natural flexibility to create more room for teeth and improve how the

jaws fit together.

Why Kids May Need One

Your child’s orthodontist might recommend an expander if:

• The upper jaw is too narrow – causing crowding or misalignment.

• A crossbite is present – when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.

• There isn’t enough space for permanent teeth to grow in properly.

• Future braces would work better and faster with extra space created now.

By addressing these concerns early, expanders can often prevent more complex treatments later on.

How It Works

An expander is custom-made to fit snugly over the back teeth. It has a tiny screw in the middle that a

parent turns with a special key. Each turn widens the device just a fraction of a millimeter, slowly and

encouraging the upper jaw to widen as well.

What Kids Can Expect

At first, your child may notice:

• A feeling of gentle pressure in the roof of the mouth.

• Slight changes in speech (like a temporary lisp).

• A small gap appearing between the front teeth

• Most of these changes fade quickly as children adjust.

Benefits of Early Expansion

• Creates space and reduces the need for extractions.

• Improves bite and jaw alignment.

• Helps permanent teeth come in correctly.

• May shorten future time in braces.

• Supports a healthier, more confident smile.

Caring for an Expander

Since expanders can trap food, daily cleaning is very important.

Encourage your child to:

• Brush carefully around the appliance.

• Use a water flosser or rinse after meals.

• Avoid sticky or hard foods that may damage the device.

With good habits, keeping the mouth clean and comfortable is easy.

The Bottom Line

Palatal expanders may look small, but they can have a big impact on your child’s smile. By guiding jaw growth at the right time, they set the stage for healthier teeth, better bites, and smoother orthodontic treatment in the future.

If you think your child might benefit from an expander, the best step is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. Early evaluation often means easier solutions and beautiful results. Call 248-567-6929