If your orthodontist has recommended a palate expander, you may be curious about what these devices do. Although they’re not as common as retainers and braces, these devices have been used since the 1860s! Here’s a closer look at five common questions patients have about them, and how they can work harmoniously with your orthodontic treatments to create a healthy, more beautiful smile!
Why Do I Need a Palate Expander?
Palate expanders are orthodontic appliances that are designed to gradually widen the upper jaw to create more space in the mouth. They are ideal for patients with severe crowding, a narrow upper jaw, or who have a crossbite. When used early in a child’s development, they can assist with proper facial growth and even reduce the likelihood of needing more complex orthodontic treatments later in life. They can also be used for adult patients to widen their upper arch and create a more even, beautiful smile.
Are Palate Expanders Painful?
Although they may look and even sound a bit intimidating, palate expanders shouldn’t be painful. Patients typically feel some initial discomfort in the first few days after having their expander placed, but this is only temporary. When turning the key to widen your jaw, you may experience slight pressure, but this usually goes away within a few minutes. Some patients describe the sensation as more surprising than uncomfortable.
How Often Should I Turn My Palate Expander?
Because each patient is different, your orthodontist will tell you when to turn your expander, however most patients will need to turn theirs once a day. Typically, it should be done at the same time each day. Most patients find it best to turn their expander at night before bed, so they can sleep through any discomfort and allow their jaw to adjust while they rest.
How Long Will I Need My Palate Expander?
While individual timelines will depend on the patient, most people need to use a palate expander for about nine months. In most cases during the first one to two months, you will need to actively turn the expander to widen the palate. The remaining wear time will be to hold the bone in place and stabilize its new position. This is necessary to prevent the jaw from moving back to its original placement and undoing your gorgeous results.
How Do I Clean My Palate Expander?
Palate expanders are cemented in place around several teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Thus, they must be cleaned while still in the mouth. The good news is that they require no special tools or products to keep them looking their best. You can care for them by brushing them with your toothbrush and rinsing well with a water flosser or by swishing water in your mouth. Be sure to take good care of your expander, as trapped food particles could cause bad breath and the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Remember, while you may not have heard much about palate expanders before, they’re much more common than you realize. In fact, just because you don’t see them in a friend’s mouth doesn’t mean they don’t have one. Rest assured, however, that if your orthodontist has recommended this treatment, it is an excellent way to make room for your teeth to align properly and create a gorgeous, comfortable lasting smile.
About Dr. Balicka
Dr. Justyna Balicka earned her undergraduate degree at Stony Brook University and her dental doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and serves as a clinical professor for post-graduate residents at NUMC. To schedule an appointment for orthodontic treatment at Amityville Orthodontics, visit our website or call us today at 631-201-8300.