Palatal Expander for Children in Wellesley, MA
A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used to gently widen a child’s upper jaw while it is still developing. This creates proper space for permanent teeth and helps improve bite alignment at an early stage.
Why Should I Choose a Palatal Expander for My Child?
A palatal expander works best while a child is still growing, making early treatment highly effective. By widening the upper jaw at the right time, future orthodontic problems can often be reduced or simplified.
Parents choose palatal expanders because they address spacing and bite issues early. This proactive approach supports healthier jaw development and smoother orthodontic treatment later.
Did You Know…
Using a palatal expander during childhood can reduce the need for tooth extractions or more complex orthodontic treatment later.
The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your 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.
Adjusting the palatal expander
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.
