13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
The shape of your mouth can alter your facial symmetry. On top of that, a crossbite or narrow upper jaw can often lead to painful oral health complications. At Grubaugh Orthodontics, our expert team can straighten your teeth and correct your jaw shape. We achieve this by using an orthodontic appliance called a palatal expander. This expander applies constant pressure and gradually widens your upper jaw. This allows permanent teeth to grow in and existing teeth to be adjusted appropriately. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about palatal expanders.
Let’s start with an anatomy lesson. Your upper jaw grows in two separate pieces as your mouth matures. It isn’t until you reach puberty that the two halves bind together to form a solid supporting structure. This means that our orthodontic team can take advantage of that permeability to help provide your teeth space to grow. Our team can align your upper jaw with your lower jaw for the best alignment and bite.Â
Dr. Grubaugh makes palatal expanders from a digital scan of your upper jaw and teeth. We send your scan to a lab where the data is turned into a high-grade metal appliance that we place on the molar teeth in the back of the mouth. The device consists of two halves that are connected in the center by a screw that you will be instructed to turn with a special key on a specified schedule. This process takes time as it keeps pressure on both halves of the jaw bone, causing them to widen as intended. This is usually left on for a specific amount of time after the desired results are achieved to allow time for the bone to get used to its new position.
There are several different types of palate expanders depending on the adjustments needed for your jaw. Some expanders are fixed and some are removable. All palatal expanders are custom-made for the perfect fit for your palate shape and size. Let’s go over some of the options in orthodontic expanders.Â
If you need only minor jaw corrections, you may benefit from a removable option. There are many brands, but this appliance looks similar to a clear aligner tray with a screw in the center. It will need to be worn twenty-four hours a day but does not require a longer treatment time. Removable palatal expanders don’t always require daily screw tightening like permanent appliances.Â
The fixed palate expander, also referred to as the rapid palate expander (RPE), is a system of bands attached to corresponding back molars that connect high in the center of the roof of the mouth with a screw. Dr. Grubaugh will give you a special key with instructions on how and when to use it to rotate the screw, maintaining adequate pressure for mouth expansion.
Palatal expanders slowly expand the roof of your mouth and widen your upper jaw. Patients with many different types of problems can benefit from this specific orthodontic treatment. Malocclusions like an overbite can lead to complications like jaw and head pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and sleep apnea. Having a narrow jaw can affect tooth alignment, leading to impaction and broken teeth or even obstruction of permanent teeth that have yet to grow in. These dental corrections can be made by utilizing a palatal expander.
Before you reach puberty, your bones are still growing and forming, which makes them softer than fully-developed adult bones. This is also true for your jawbones. Why is this important? Because it means that this treatment is quicker and most effective when used on children before adult teeth are entirely in place.Â
Palatal expanders require time, work, and effort like with any orthodontic procedure. While they may sound painful, it’s nothing more than minor discomfort. Typically, that discomfort only lasts a few minutes after adjusting the screw. Just like with braces, palatal expanders may take some time to get used to as your tongue rests against the expander. This can make speaking, chewing, and swallowing seem a little off. However, chances are you are the only one that notices, and you’ll get used to it in about a week.Â
Orthodontic treatment with a palatal expander can often cause space to form between your upper front two teeth. This is normal and the gap closes on its own. However, braces might be an excellent option for some patients to maintain this change. You may experience some drooling, a lisp, or even some mild headaches during your treatment, especially after tightening the central screw. Â
There may be some cases where an alternative option to palatal expanders may be better. Dr. Grubaugh can recommend traditional braces, removal of impacted or overcrowded teeth, or even jaw surgery to correct the spacing in your jaw.Â
Our team at Grubaugh Orthodontics is always ready to make you smile. We offer a variety of treatment options for patients of all ages so you can enjoy a beautiful smile. No matter your age or what kind of treatment you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
With two locations in Dewitt and Lansing, you’re always a few blocks away from the treatment you deserve. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Grubaugh to find out which treatment plan is right for you!