Palate Expansion

Orthodontic treatments are used to correct for many problems in tooth alignment, but sometimes, the problem is the arch of the jaw. If the upper (maxillary) arch is too narrow, there may not be enough room for all the teeth, or the patient may have a cross-bite, one in which some of the upper teeth close inside the lower ones. In these situations, extracting teeth is not the only option; there is also treatment with palate expanders.

A palate expander is a functional orthodontic device which fits in the roof of the mouth. It works by putting pressure on against the teeth with two movable parts which are connected by a screw. At regular intervals, the patient or their caregiver turns the screw, causing the pieces of the expander to move outward. Fixed palate expanders are attached to the molars, although there is a removable variety that works more like a retainer. This type of treatment is usually recommended for children and adolescents because their skull bones are still flexible enough to undergo the type of change caused by palatal expansion; adults may not be able to undergo it except for minor adjustments. Orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth may accompany or follow the use of a palate expander.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit Dr. Cynthia Wong and send a message.