PALATAL EXPANDERS

As orthodontists in Pennington, NJ, our dental practice must be prepared to help with any issue concerning repositioning the teeth and the jaw for a healthier, functional, and more stable bite. Occasionally, treatment plans will include the use of an orthodontic appliance known as a palatal expander. Palatal expanders are recommended when a patient has a very small palate or an underdeveloped palate. The appliance helps to make enough space to accommodate healthy permanent teeth development. It will also address upper jaw alignment issues.

Dr. Baurmash may recommend the use of a palatal expander as part of the early intervention orthodontics in younger patients or to augment the use of braces in teen and adult patients. They are often used as one part of a more comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan, helping patients achieve the long-term results of a straighter and healthier smile that they desire.

WHAT TO EXPECT: PALATAL EXPANDERS

If you or your child needs a palatal expander as a part of their treatment plan, you should expect it to take about a week to get used to having the orthodontic appliance. During this time, it is normal for it to feel funny whenever swallowing, or when the tongue hits the roof of your mouth. Tongue discomfort in the first week is the most common complaint, though this should go away as your mouth adapts to the appliance. Overall, the patient should not experience any pain or longterm discomfort with the palatal expander as it is a gradual treatment option for resolving spacing issues. To best care for your palatal expander, avoid eating excessively chewy or sticky foods.

PALATAL EXPANDERS IN PENNINGTON NJ

If you are in need of a palatal expander, Dr. Baurmash is happy to go into more detail with you about how this orthodontic appliance works within your smile. The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.