Palate Expander Before and After for Adults

Some years ago dentists had no answer to problems such as constant jaw pain and tooth crowding problems. Even if some tooth was stuck underneath there was no other solution other than extraction, which also harmed the jaw. But with advancements in orthodontic treatment, the palate expanders can now be used for addressing these problems.

Here’s everything you need to know about palate expanders and how you can effectively use them for your dental problems.

Palate Expander Before and After for Adults

What are Palate Expanders?

Palate (palatal) expanders are orthodontic equipment or dental braces that slowly expand the roof of the mouth by widening the palate over time. These devices also widen the upper jaw of the mouth to create more space for the new teeth to pop out as required.

This orthodontic expander device can effectively widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. This is a common orthodontic procedure that can remedy many dental issues. 

These devices are mostly used for pre-adolescent children as their jaws are still developing and can be made wider with an easy treatment. However, palate expanders can still be used for teenagers and adults. The treatment result is slower paced but still works. 

Four Most Important Uses of Palate Expanders?

The following are the four most common dental issues for which palate expanders can be used. Here’s how the orthodontic expanders can help you in this regard 

1. Widen The Jaw

The foremost reason palate expanders are used is to create some space for the upper jaw to properly align. A narrower jaw can cause many problems such as narrower teeth, crooked teeth, and the overlapping teeth problem. Making proper space in the upper jaw can make sure that all your teeth are easily accommodated and you don’t suffer from any of the problems.

2. Impacted Teeth

If a tooth is being impacted by some part of the gums, the jaw, or any other tooth then a palate expander can help you. A dentist may use a palate expander to make your jaw wider so that the impacted tooth may easily pop out without much difficulty.

3. The Crossbite Problem

A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are not properly aligned with each other. If your child or you as an adult is suffering from the cross biting problem then a palate expander can help you. 

A dentist may suggest a palate expansion treatment and place the palate expander to expand the upper. He/she can do this in such a way that both your jaws come in a perfect alignment.

4. Crowded Teeth Problem

The teeth crowding problem can also be solved with this amazing orthodontic treatment in Dubai. The over-retained teeth in babies that prevent the eruption of permanent teeth can cause this problem. 

If the milk teeth are not extracted then the child may suffer from teeth crowding problems. Palate expanders can prevent this problem and also eliminate the need for the extraction of milk teeth. 

How are Palate Expanders Made?

Palate expanders primarily consist of two major parts, the two halves. Both halves are mostly made of stainless steel or nickel wires. Both halves are connected with the two opposite sides of top back molars. These halves are connected with screws that are placed in the middle of the top of the mouth.

Unlike traditional orthodontic braces treatment in which the expert orthodontist can twist and turn the archwire, in palate expanders patients use a key to turn the screws of the expander. The patient needs to turn the screw in a specific order with a specific schedule. 

The Right Age for Palate Expanders

Palatal expanders are usually most effective when used for adolescents and children. The three phases in which they are most effective are the primary detention phase, the early mixed detention phase, and the early permanent detention phase. However, they can still work for adults and have shown great before and after results. 

These are the right age for orthodontic palatal expanders based on patients age

1. Palate Expanders for Children & Pre-Teens

Palate expanders should not be used when all the permanent teeth of a child have just popped out. The reason for not doing this at that time is the jaw is not developing and it's difficult to move it. 

It’s recommended that you wait until the first premolars have erupted before starting the palate expansion treatment.

2. Palate Expanders for Adults

Adult palate expansion? The palate expander is not recommended for adults as it works very slowly, however it still works. Two methods can speed up the jaw expansion for adults, these two include:

●    The implant-supported palate expansion

●    Surgically-assisted expansion 

These two methods make sure that a heavier force is successfully applied to the jaw that results in jaw expansion for adults.

Palate Expander Before and After

Slow palatal expansion adults? Palatal expander before and after? The surgical-assisted expanders as well as the implant-supported palatal expansion can greatly impact the before and after results for adults. Even if these methods are not used the palatal expander can slowly but surely expand the jaw of the person.  

Different Types of Palate Expanders

Many different types of a palatal expander can be used to widen the jaw. An expert orthodontist will decide which type of expander can best suit you. You should also leave this decision to your dentist as he knows better. 

1. The Removable One

A removable palatal expander can easily resolve minor jaw issues. This kind of removable expander resembles acrylic retainers in appearance. This type of expander can easily be removed while eating, bruising, and any other physical exercise. 

2. Implant-Supported Expansion

The implant-supported expanders can apply the pressure and heavier force that is necessary to move the jaw for mature adolescents and adults. Four mini-implants are used in this process to directly apply the force on the maxillary bone and not the teeth.

3. Surgically Assisted Palatal Expansion

People often think that once you hit puberty or 20 years of age, the palate expanders cannot work. This is not entirely right, these orthodontic expanders work slow, but they still work. 

Some surgical assistance can help speed up the process. Some jaws do not fully mature until a person is 21 to 25 years old. An expert orthodontist can surgically insert inside the palatal bone (mid-palatal structure) to widen the jaw.

Caring for Your Teeth with a Palate Expander

Palatal expanders do not have as many food restrictions as traditional orthodontic braces. You might feel awkward at first but this feeling may only last for the first week. 

You should avoid sticky foods and gums as they can stick to the expander device and block the keyhole that needs to be twisted and maintained. 

Flossing is also very important as this way you can reach all the spaces between your teeth and gums where your brush can't reach. Unhealthy gums can swell up and disturb the expansion process so it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene.

The Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do palatal expanders hurt?

Both fixed and removable palatal expanders do not hurt, however, the patient does feel some pressure. Surgically assisted and implant-supported expanders can cause some discomfort and mild pain.

Q2. Can adults use palate expanders?

Yes, adults can use palate expander treatment to widen their jaw to get rid of gum problems. Surgically assisted and implant-supported expanders can speed up the expansion of jaws in adults.

Q3. How much do palatal expanders cost?

The cost of treatment depends on many factors that include the patient's location, the expertise of the orthodontist, the type of clinic, and the extent of treatment. Since palatal expansion is necessary in some cases that's why most insurance plans cover this treatment.