Heading to a dental clinic to get your little one’s teeth aligned? Along with their aligner or braces treatment, your child’s orthodontist might recommend a palatal expander! Used to widen narrow upper maxilla (narrow upper jaws), the palatal expander aids the teeth and jaw alignment process by making space for teeth, correcting bite issues, and more.
However, traditional palatal expanders can often cause mild discomfort or soreness, particularly in the early stages of use. Fortunately, children and early teens now have a more comfortable alternative with Invisalign’s newly launched removal palatal expanders.
How Do Palatal Expanders Work?
A palatal expander works by gradually widening the upper jaw (palate) to create more space in the mouth. It is commonly used in children whose upper jaw is too narrow, which can lead to issues like crowding of teeth, improper bite alignment, or breathing difficulties. This treatment is most effective in children or pre-teens because their bones are still malleable. In many cases, children who use palatal expanders as they grow end up having broad smiles without the need for future tooth extractions!
Traditionally, a metal expander is fabricated for the patient and is temporarily cemented onto the teeth. Now, with the latest technology, Invisalign palatal expanders, patients have another effective removable option!
Traditional Palatal Expanders
To use traditional metal expanders, an orthodontist will cement the palatal expanders onto the patient’s teeth using an orthodontic adhesive. The expander has a central screw that the patient or parent turns using a special key. This process is done daily or as prescribed. Each turn slightly pushes the two halves of the upper jaw apart. Over time, the pressure exerted by the expander encourages the two halves of the palate to widen. Since children’s jaws are still growing, the bones can adjust and grow to fill in the gap created.
Invisalign Palatal Expander
The Invisalign palatal expander, on the other hand, is made of a white plastic material and custom 3D-printed for each patient’s unique anatomy. It’s made to address skeletal expansion in growing patients (kids and early teens), and consists of a series of doctor-prescribed Invisalign Palatal Expanders and Invisalign Palatal Holders.
Unlike the traditional expander which uses a screw to activate the device, the Invisalign palatal expanders are replaced with another (that has changed in size via a small increment) to help expand your child’s jaw bone! Tooth-coloured attachments that are bonded to the patient’s back teeth retain the expander securely in place.
Once the desired expansion has been achieved, your orthodontist will provide your child with palatal holders, used to stabilise the palate. These are to be replaced every 2-4 weeks.
Benefits of Invisalign Palatal Expander
A more comfortable experience
Invisalign palatal expander is custom-3D printed to fit each patient. Each device’s palatal coverage and thickness is created to perfectly fit your child’s mouth and teeth nicely and snugly! The plastic material also creates a smooth lingual surface perfect for increased patient comfort.
Easily removable for better oral hygiene
Unlike traditional palatal expanders, which are often cemented to the teeth, Invisalign palatal expanders are removable! They come with handles that make it easy for children to insert and remove on their own. Now, kids can manage the expanders themselves with ease.
An added benefit is that children can take them out for brushing and flossing, making oral hygiene much simpler when compared to traditional expanders, which must remain in place and can only be removed by an orthodontist.
Discrete
With Invisalign palatal expanders being customised out of plastic, they are nearly invisible, making it an excellent option if your child or teen would prefer to keep their smile clear of any metal-looking devices.
Invisalign Palatal Expanders: Commonly Asked Questions
1. How do I remove Invisalign palatal expanders?
Invisalign palatal expanders feature handles that help facilitate insertion and removal. This can be done by hooking your fingers over the handles and pulling the aligners down and away from the roof of your mouth.
2. Can I eat with Invisalign palatal expanders on?
Yes, you can! Invisalign palatal expanders are made of polyamide 12, a medical-grade nylon that’s safe to use while eating. However, it can take some getting used to. We suggest taking small bites and eating softer foods first while you’re getting used to the appliance.
Sticky foods are not off the table, either! Kid favourites like noodles, pizza, and peanut butter can get stuck in traditional expanders. With Invsialign palatal expanders, however, mealtimes are now stress-free since Invisalign’s palatal expanders are easy to pop out and clean.
3. How do I clean Invisalign Palatal Expanders?
Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to brush the appliance’s surfaces.
Where to get your Invisalign Palatal Expanders
At TLC Dental Centre, our orthodontist is trained to administer both traditional and Invisalign palatal expanders for treatment, including cases with varying complexities. If you’re looking to consult our orthodontist for dental advice and treatment, feel free to drop us a message at +65 9113 2847. Alternatively, you may wish to make an appointment with your preferred dental clinic for more information.