At the orthodontic offices of Dr. James Homon and Dr. Kelly Carr in Powell and Delaware, OH, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to fit our patients’ needs. While treatments like metal and clear braces are very popular, some of our patients require palatal expanders.
What is a palatal expander?
A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. The upper jawbone, or maxiallae, is made up of two bones connected by a suture in the middle. This suture does not close until the early teenage years. The use of a palatal expander is most common in children, however many adults find success with them as well. Palatal expanders can be used to correct the following conditions:
- Teeth crowding
- Arch constriction
- Crossbites
How do palatal expanders work?
Palatal expanders are secured to the roof of the patient’s mouth, and often times must be turned once a day for a prescribed amount of turns. During this process, a gap will open between the two front teeth and the suture between the two jawbones is widened. Rest assured, this gap will close by itself as soon as the expansion is completed. After expansion, the expander must stay in place for 6 months in order for the upper jawbones to grow back together and form a new suture.
If you think you or your child may be a candidate for a palatal expander, please contact one of our Powell or Delaware, OH office locations to schedule a consultation. We also offer traditional braces, clear braces, and gold braces as well as Wild Smiles brackets, lower expanders and Herbst appliances.