What Is a Palatal Expander? PART 2
What Is a Palatal Expander?
How Long Does Expansion Take?
The actual expansion only takes a few weeks. But the expander needs to stay in place for a while longer to give the new bone time to form in the space between the maxillary bones. This is what stabilizes the expansion. On average, patients wear an expander for about six months.
Are There Other Side Effects From an Expander?
Chewing and speaking can feel weird at first. Within a few days, your child or teen will get used to having the expander in their mouth and their ability to chew and speak will return to normal.
If you notice a space forming between your child’s front teeth, have no fear! This is completely normal and a sign that the expander is working and their jaw is widening. We will close the gap with braces or Invisalign.
How to Adjust an Expander
Dr. Krithika M Jayaram-your best orthodontist in Cunningham Road will show you and your child how to adjust an expander. Sometimes it can take doing it yourself a few times to feel confident, but, we promise, it is simple. Here is how to activate the expander:
- Tip the head back.
- Have someone help shine a light into the mouth so you can see better.
- Put the key Dr. Krithika M Jayaram, your best orthodontist near MG Road gave you into the hole at the front center of the appliance.
- Push the key toward the back of the mouth until it stops and you can see the next hole.
- Carefully remove the key from the mouth. You should be able to clearly see the new hole for the next turn.
Depending on your child’s age, Dr. Krithika M Jayaram-your best orthodontist near Sadashivanagar may recommends either two turns per day (usually for older children/teenagers), or one turn every other day (usually for younger children). Dr. Krithika M Jayaramwill informs you how often and how many turns are totally needed to affect the required changes.
Does a Rapid Palatal Expander Hurt?
We know, the idea of palate expansion does seem a little intense. But, because the maxillary bones in kids and teens are not fused together, manipulating them is not painful and only a small amount of tension is needed to shift them apart.
Are There Other Side Effects From an Expander?
Chewing and speaking can feel weird at first. Within a few days, your child or teen will get used to having the expander in their mouth and their ability to chew and speak will return to normal.
If you notice a space forming between your child’s front teeth, have no fear! This is completely normal and a sign that the expander is working and their jaw is widening. We will close the gap with braces or Invisalign.
What are the Benefits of Expansion?
When a rapid palatal expander is necessary, the benefits are significant. Expansion can:
- Help kids and teens avoid the need for corrective jaw surgery
- Prevent the need for tooth extractions
- Open the airway and encourage nasal breathing
- Guide growth to correct a crossbite, crowding, and other skeletal concerns
- Create a wider, more aesthetically pleasing smile
- Make room for impacted teeth to erupt on their own
Schedule a complimentary consultation at Quintessence- Your Best Dental Clinic In Bangalore, to get personalized treatment recommendations for your child or teenager. If a rapid palate expander is needed, Dr. Krithika M Jayaram-your best orthodontist in Bangalore will walk you through his diagnosis, the process, and what to expect, so you feel fully informed about your child’s smile journey.
