Palatal Expanders in Utah

Palatal expanders are fixed orthodontic appliances used to widen the upper jaw in growing children. At Utah Orthodontic Care, we recommend palatal expansion as part of our early intervention strategy for patients with narrow arches, crowding, or crossbites. By gently and gradually expanding the upper jaw, we can create more room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, improve breathing function, and help establish a balanced bite.

Palatal expanders are most effective when used during a child’s developmental years — typically between the ages of 6 and 12 — when the bones of the face and jaw are still forming. This procedure is a key component of Phase I Orthodontics and can often reduce the need for more invasive treatment later in adolescence.

Your orthodontic specialist may recommend a palatal expander if your child is experiencing:

• A narrow upper jaw or high palate
• Dental crowding due to lack of space
• Crossbites, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
• Asymmetrical jaw growth or facial imbalance
• Breathing issues related to a constricted airway
• Early signs of misalignment identified during early alignment checkups

A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and a bite assessment, will determine whether expansion is needed. In many cases, palatal expanders are part of a broader space and growth management plan during the early stages of orthodontic care.

Correcting jaw width early in life offers significant health and functional advantages. Benefits of palatal expanders include:

• Makes room for permanent teeth, reducing the need for extractions
• Improves bite alignment and jaw symmetry
• Enhances nasal airflow and breathing in some cases
• Promotes balanced facial growth
• Lays a stable foundation for future Phase II Orthodontics, if needed
• Reduces risk of future complications like impacted teeth or speech issues

Palatal expanders are often used alongside other early orthodontic appliances such as space maintainers or lower lingual holding arches when managing complex developmental needs.

Adapting to a palatal expander usually takes just a few days. Children may notice a change in how they speak or chew, but these effects are temporary and improve quickly with practice. Our team supports families with detailed care instructions, regular checkups, and monitoring.

Helpful guidelines include:

• Avoid sticky or crunchy foods that can damage the device
• Keep the area clean using special brushes or water flossers
• Follow the activation schedule as directed
• Notify your orthodontic specialist of any discomfort, damage, or loosening

Additional resources on day-to-day care are available on our Life with Braces and Oral Hygiene pages.