Palatal Expanders in Los Angeles, CA
A narrow palate can lead to numerous oral health and functional complications, including tooth crowding and breathing problems. With a custom palatal expander from Shawn Saidian, DDS, and Tania Ohebsion, DDS, at Century City Smiles & Orthodontics, you can take advantage of your child’s growth phase and shorten their future time in braces. To learn more about expanders and how to care for them, call (310) 552-2724 or book an appointment online for your child today.
Book OnlineWhat Are Expanders?
Expanders are an early orthodontic treatment for children. If your child’s upper jaw is too narrow, they’re more likely to experience complications as their adult teeth erupt. Expanders can correct or prevent a variety of tooth alignment issues, including:
- Crowding
- Crossbite
- Impacted teeth
- Breathing problems
Additionally, expanders can shorten the length of time your child needs to wear braces later on. It’s important to get expanders at an early age because the bones in the palate have not yet fused, making it easy for the expander to work quickly. The team creates your child’s custom expander and affixes it to several molars in the upper jaw. Once or twice a day, you turn a small screw that places gentle pressure on the molars, widening the palate. When the jaw reaches its final width, the expander stays in place for several more months to stabilize it while the palatal bones grow together.
Who Should Consider Getting Expanders?
The team frequently recommends expanders for children over age 5 but under 16 who have a crossbite. A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw to the point that the two don’t fit together properly. The team might also recommend expanders if your child’s teeth are overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause trouble as baby teeth are lost and adult teeth begin to erupt, and overcrowded teeth are often more prone to tooth decay because they’re harder to clean thoroughly. Early intervention through Phase 1 treatment can set the foundation for a healthier smile.
How Should I Care for My Child’s Expander?
Like braces and other orthodontic devices, expanders require a little extra cleaning and care. Make sure your child brushes their teeth, tongue, and the expander several times a day, especially after meals and snacks. If the expander collects hard-to-reach food debris, you can rinse it using a syringe. To avoid damaging or dislodging the device, your child should avoid chewing on:
- Gum
- Nuts
- Hard candies
- Fruit pits
- Ice cubes
- Pencils
You should also continue your child’s six-month dental cleaning appointments and exams, so that if a cavity or complication develops while the expander is in place, it can be caught and treated early.
To find out if your child could benefit from a palatal expander, call Century City Smiles & Orthodontics at (310) 552-2724 for a consultation or book a visit online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a palatal expander do?
A palatal expander gradually widens a child’s narrow upper jaw, creating more room for teeth to come in properly. This can correct crossbites, relieve crowding, and even help with certain breathing problems.
At what age should my child get an expander?
Expanders work best in children roughly between ages 5 and 16, while the bones of the palate are still growing and have not yet fused together. An early evaluation helps determine the ideal timing.
Does using an expander hurt?
Most children feel mild pressure or tightness when the expander is adjusted, but it typically isn’t painful. Any discomfort usually fades quickly as the child adjusts.
How long does my child need to wear the expander?
After the jaw reaches its target width, the expander usually stays in place for several more months to stabilize the result and allow the palatal bones to grow together.
How do I keep the expander clean?
Have your child brush their teeth, tongue, and the expander several times a day, especially after eating. A syringe can be used to rinse away trapped food debris.
How do I schedule an expander consultation?
Call (310) 552-2724 or request an appointment online. The team will evaluate your child’s jaw and teeth and recommend the best course of treatment.