Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (also called the palate). It’s most commonly used in children and teens whose jaws are still developing, but in some cases, adults may benefit from expansion as well.

Palatal expanders are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth to gradually widen the upper jaw. Once in place, the expander is adjusted regularly (usually with a small key) to apply gentle pressure to the two halves of the upper jaw. Over time, the jawbones respond by gradually moving apart, allowing new bone to fill in the gap. This creates more space for crowded teeth and helps improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Most patients need to have an expander in place for ~6 months, but some cases require the expander to be held in place for longer. By guiding proper jaw development early on, palatal expanders can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later and support a balanced, healthy bite.