Palatal Expander

Palatal expanders are used to make room for crowded teeth and/or broaden the smile. Their early use can often prevent the need to remove healthy adult teeth later. In our office we also use a passive self-expanding appliance at the same time on the lower teeth to make sure they aren't left behind. This video shows braces being placed immediately after the expansion is complete, but we often wait to do braces when the patient is older. Expanders are ideally used between the ages of 8 and 10 when the mid-palatal suture is still unfused. Expanders can sometimes be used up until age 12 but in our opinion should be avoided thereafter.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Hyrax
• Rapid
• Palatal
• Expansion
• Braces
• After