At Clauss Orthodontics, we take pride in being able to create and administer treatment plans for all the cases that walk through our doors in Watertown and Middlebury. We can do that because we offer a wide range of treatment options to treat a wider variety of bite issues. One of the tools we utilize when improving our patients’ smiles is the palate expander! If you or your child just got one, this guide covers what living with an expander is really like, from the first few days to everyday care.
What Is a Palate Expander?
A palate expander does exactly what the name suggests. It expands your upper palate/jaw until you reach your goal width, allowing all your teeth to fit comfortably by slowly pushing the two halves of the upper jaw bone apart daily. As the two halves move away from each other, new bone forms to fill the newly emptied space.
Each expander is custom-made to be comfortable, effective and efficient for every patient.
Who Needs Palate Expanders?
Palate expanders help patients with overcrowding, crossbite, open bite and other bite complications, making oral hygiene, eating and communication difficult. It can even help patients with breathing difficulties due to narrow air passageways from a narrow upper palate.
Though patients of all ages can benefit from a palate expander, they are more common in children due to ongoing bone growth, making it much easier to make the necessary changes. In contrast, the palate of adults has stopped growing and fused, making other steps necessary to allow an expander to do its job.
Are There Different Types of Palate Expanders?
Just like there are different types of braces, there are different kinds of palate expanders as well. Some self-adjust, while others require you or a helper to turn a small screw with a unique key daily to activate the expander. The best expander for you depends on your smile goals, the severity of your bite pattern as well as the age of the patient. For a closer look at how each one works, see our complete guide to palatal expanders.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palate Expander (SARPE)
If your case is moderate or severe or you are an adult with fully formed facial bones, you might be a candidate for surgically assisted rapid palate expanders. An oral surgeon makes small cuts along your mid-palatal suture, where the two sides of your palate meet in the middle, so the expander can widen the upper jaw. You will need to change your diet and lifestyle for a few weeks after surgery. You should follow your surgeon’s guidelines closely for the most comfortable and safest healing process.
Removable Palate Expander
If you need to expand your palate slightly, you might be a candidate for a removable palate expander. This device looks a lot like a retainer, with a small screw in the middle that gradually widens it. Patients with a removable palate expander must remember to clean them daily with toothpaste and a toothbrush. Unlike removable braces or retainers, you do not need to remove palate expanders when eating (though you should remove them for cleaning after eating).
Rapid Palate Expander
The most commonly used type of expander, this appliance is fixed to the teeth and is not removable by the patient. Rapid palate expanders can expand the palate by up to 0.5 millimeters per day.
Implant-Supported Palate Expander
This palate expander is anchored to four small mini-implants placed in the upper jaw bone instead of relying on your teeth. A periodontist or oral surgeon places the implants.
Living With an Expander: What to Expect
Let’s check out some palate expander FAQs!
Do palate expanders hurt?
No matter the type of palate expander you have, you may feel slight tenderness or soreness while the palate expander does its job. We are moving your bone, after all! Most of the time, you can treat this with over-the-counter pain medication if needed. If you have an expander that requires you to make manual adjustments every day, you may feel a slight tingling sensation in your nose, but it quickly goes away, and you will quickly get used to it!
Those with surgical appliances will have more side effects as the body gets used to its new device. You may experience swelling, bruising and numbness. These symptoms should resolve over time, but unfortunately, their permanency is a risk of surgery.
Is it normal to get a gap between my front teeth?
Yes. As the upper jaw widens, a small gap often opens between the two front teeth. It can look surprising, but it is a normal sign that the expander is doing its job, and it is typically closed later in treatment.
Will a palate expander change my diet or oral hygiene?
When you have a palate expander, you will need to make some minor diet modifications. You will need to avoid food that can break, stick to or damage the appliance (such as overly hard, chewy or sticky foods). Chewing might take some practice with your expander in place, but you’ll become a pro fairly quickly.
You will also need to learn how to clean your appliances adequately, but luckily that only takes a few minutes a day. Follow Dr. Clauss’s instructions to keep you and your expander in good condition!
Will a palate expander affect my speech?
Some patients find it challenging to communicate when they first get their expander because the tongue has to get used to having it in the way. With some practice, you’ll be able to talk without issue. We recommend reading aloud from a book or magazine daily until you are confident in your abilities.
What if my expander needs to be turned at home?
Follow the exact schedule Dr. Clauss gives you. A simple checklist on the fridge or a note on your phone makes it easy to keep track of each turn. If you ever miss one or are not sure where you left off, call our office before making it up.
When to Call Our Office
Most of the adjustment period is simply getting used to something new. Give us a call if:
- Your expander feels loose or comes off
- A wire or band is poking your cheek or gums
- You lose the key or cannot make a turn
- Soreness does not ease with over-the-counter pain relief
You can also find more help on our orthodontic emergency care page.
Let Us Expand Your Smile Possibilities With a Palate Expander!
If palate expanders still sound daunting or intimidating, remember that a palate expander is just a stop toward a healthier, more attractive smile.
At Clauss Orthodontics, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is as smooth and efficient as possible. So, whether you’re just starting with your palate expander or a seasoned pro, we are here to help whenever you need us. Please feel free to contact us and speak to a knowledgeable team member or make an appointment with Dr. Clauss and begin creating your treatment plan.