Help Your Child’s Smile Grow the Right Way With an Expander

Some kids have an upper jaw that is too narrow for all their teeth. A palatal expander fixes this problem gently over time. The appliance rests along the top of the mouth and connects to the molars on each side.

Little by little, the expander guides the jaw to become wider. Since young jawbones are still soft and flexible, this process happens without surgery. Fresh bone grows into the widened area, so the results last. Treatment usually takes anywhere from a few months to under a year. This can make future treatment with Invisalign® or braces more effective as well.

Here is what treatment with an expander looks like from start to finish:

  • The dental team scans and photographs your child’s mouth.
  • A lab builds an expander shaped just for their smile.
  • The device is secured to the upper molars during a short visit.
  • At home, a parent uses a special key to adjust it, often once daily.
  • Follow-up appointments track how well the jaw is responding.
  • After reaching the goal width, the expander remains in place while the new bone gets strong.

A little pressure is normal during the first few days, but it fades quickly. Before long, your child will have the room they need for healthy dental development.

Call North Oaks Dental at 248-712-1522 to schedule a consultation. Discuss what palatal expanders in Royal Oak, MI could do for your loved one.