Ultimate Guide to Palate Expanders and Braces: What You Need to Know

If you’re exploring orthodontic treatment options for yourself or your child, you may have heard about palate expanders and braces. These two treatments are often used to correct dental issues such as crowding, misalignment, and bite problems.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about palate expanders and braces, how they work, who needs them, and what to expect during treatment.

What Is a Palate Expander?

A palate expander is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (palate) so that the upper and lower teeth fit together better. It’s most commonly used in growing children, as their bones are still developing and easier to mold.

What Do They Do?

Palatal expanders gradually widen the upper jaw (palate). By expanding the upper jaw, palatal expanders create more space in the mouth, helping to correct bite issues, reduce crowding, and improve overall dental alignment. The device applies gentle pressure to the molars through a center screw mechanism, which is typically adjusted daily under the guidance of an orthodontist.

Key Benefits and Functions of Palatal Expanders:

Corrects a narrow upper jaw to align with the lower jaw.
Creates space for crowded or misaligned teeth.
Improves bite issues, such as crossbites and impacted teeth.
Reduces the need for tooth extractions before braces.
Enhances facial symmetry and can assist with nasal airflow.
Prepares the mouth for braces by ensuring optimal alignment of the jaw structure.

Why Orthodontist Might Recommend a Palate Expander

A palate expander may seem like an extra step in your orthodontic journey, but it can be essential for achieving long-term dental health and facial balance. One of the most common reasons orthodontists recommend this appliance is when the upper jaw is too narrow compared to the lower jaw. When the jaws don’t align properly, the upper and lower teeth won’t fit together correctly, often resulting in a posterior crossbite.

Why Correcting a Crossbite Matters:

If a crossbite is left untreated, it can lead to several functional and cosmetic issues, including:

Excessive wear and tear on teeth due to uneven pressure.
Jaw pain and TMJ disorders from improper bite alignment.
Asymmetric growth of the jaw, causing the chin to shift off-center.
Impacted teeth, especially canines, which can fail to erupt properly.

These complications don’t just affect appearance—they can also compromise long-term oral health. A palate expander works by gradually widening the upper jaw to bring it into proper proportion with the lower jaw, effectively correcting the crossbite and preventing more serious issues down the road.

How Does a Palate Expander Work?

Palate expanders work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the upper jaw, gradually widening it over time. The device is typically attached to the upper molars and features a screw in the center. This screw is turned regularly (as directed by your orthodontist) to activate the expansion process.

Types of Palate Expanders for Kids

There are several types of palate expanders designed specifically for children, each tailored to different orthodontic needs and jaw structures. The type recommended will depend on the child’s age, the severity of the issue, and the treatment goals. Here are the most common palate expanders used in pediatric orthodontics:

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) – This is the most commonly used type for kids. It features a screw in the center that is turned daily with a special key, gradually widening the upper jaw over a period of weeks. RPEs are effective for treating crossbites and making room for crowded teeth.
Removable Palatal Expander – Made of acrylic and metal, this appliance is similar to a retainer and can be taken out for eating and cleaning. It’s typically used for minor expansion needs or in cases where compliance with wear instructions can be trusted.
Hyrax Expander- A fixed expander that attaches to the upper molars with metal bands. It includes a central screw that is turned to apply outward pressure. It’s durable, effective, and commonly used in early orthodontic treatment.
Haas Expander – This version uses both metal and acrylic, with the acrylic portion sitting against the roof of the mouth. It helps distribute pressure more evenly across the palate and is often recommended for younger children with soft tissue concerns.
Quad Helix Expander – This is a pre-activated, spring-loaded appliance made of wire that applies gentle, continuous pressure to expand the jaw. It doesn’t require manual activation and is a good option for gradual, mild expansion.

What is the Best Age to Get a Palate Expander?

The ideal age to get a palate expander is typically between 7 and 14 years old, while the upper jaw is still developing and the bones are more malleable. During this growth phase, the two halves of the palate haven’t yet fused, making it easier to widen the jaw with less resistance and more predictable results.

Early intervention during childhood allows orthodontists to correct jaw discrepancies before they become more severe or require surgical treatment later in life. While palate expanders are most effective in younger patients, older teens and even adults may still be candidates in certain cases, sometimes with the aid of surgical assistance. For best results, an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 is recommended to determine if and when a palate expander may be needed.

Can Adults Get a Palate Expander?

Yes, adults can get a palate expander, but the approach and results differ from those in children. In younger patients, the upper jaw (palate) consists of two separate bones that have not yet fused, making it easier to widen using a traditional palate expander.

However, in adults, the palatal bones are fully fused, which means non-surgical expanders are typically less effective or not recommended for significant expansion. For adults who require jaw widening, orthodontists often suggest a procedure called Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE).

This combines a custom expander with oral surgery to help loosen the fused bones, allowing the upper jaw to be expanded safely and effectively. In milder cases, alternative treatments like clear aligners, braces with inter-arch elastics, or tooth extractions may be used to address crowding or bite issues without expansion.

While adult palate expansion is more complex, it can still offer dramatic improvements in bite alignment, breathing, and smile aesthetics—especially when guided by a skilled orthodontic team. If you’re an adult considering expansion, a comprehensive evaluation is the first step to determine the right treatment path.

Does an Expander Work on the Lower Jaw?

While palatal expanders are typically used to widen the upper jaw, there are specialized appliances designed to address issues in the lower jaw—but they work a bit differently.

Unlike the upper jaw, which consists of two bones that can be gradually separated during growth, the lower jaw is a single, solid bone. This makes true skeletal expansion of the lower jaw much more limited, especially without surgery. However, orthodontists can use lower expanders to reposition teeth outward within the existing bone structure. These appliances help create space, reduce crowding, and improve dental arch form, rather than expanding the jawbone itself.

Common Lower Jaw Expansion Appliances Include:

Lower Schwarz Appliance – A removable device that gently pushes the lower teeth outward.
Lip Bumper – Keeps the lips and cheeks from putting pressure on the lower molars, allowing natural outward movement of the teeth.
Lower Fixed Expanders – Cemented appliances used to slightly widen the dental arch by tipping teeth outward.

In some adults or severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to achieve true skeletal changes in the lower jaw. Your orthodontist will recommend the best approach based on your specific needs and age.

What Is the Cost of Palate Expanders?

The cost of a palate expander typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,500 CAD in Canada, depending on several factors. This price often includes the device itself, fittings, adjustments, and follow-up appointments—but it may vary based on the complexity of the case and the dental office’s pricing structure.

Factors That Affect the Cost:

Type of expander (e.g., rapid palatal expander vs. removable)
Age of the patient and complexity of treatment
Geographic location (urban practices may cost more)
Orthodontist’s experience and specialization

Whether it’s part of a full braces or Invisalign treatment plan

Does Insurance Cover It?

Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage will partially or fully cover the cost of a palate expander, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary to correct a bite or jaw issue. It’s best to check with your provider or ask the dental office for a pre-authorization or benefits breakdown.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation at Courtice Family Dentistry

Orthodontic care plays a vital role in your child’s oral development. As children grow, their teeth and jaws are constantly changing — with baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, it’s the perfect time to guide proper alignment and prevent long-term issues.

Our experienced dental team is committed to providing gentle, effective orthodontic care for growing smiles. Using tools like palate expanders, we can help ensure your child’s jaw and teeth develop in harmony for a healthier, more confident smile.

Fill out our patient form or call us directly to get started. We look forward to welcoming your family!

FAQS

What does a palate expander do?

A palate expander widens the upper jaw (palate) by applying gentle pressure to the molars, helping to correct issues like crossbites, crowding, and narrow arches.

At what age is a palate expander most effective?

The ideal age is between 7 and 14 years old, while the jaw is still developing and the bones are easier to modify without surgery.

Does getting a palate expander hurt?

You may feel mild pressure or discomfort for a few days after activation, but it’s generally not painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help manage initial soreness.

How long do you have to wear a palate expander?

Most patients wear the appliance for 3 to 6 months, depending on how much expansion is needed and how the jaw responds to treatment.

How do you activate a palate expander?

The expander is activated by turning a small key in the center screw, usually once or twice a day, as directed by your orthodontist.

Can adults use a palate expander?

Palate expanders can correct crossbites, crowding, impacted teeth, and asymmetric jaw growth, and can also improve nasal airflow in some patients.

What problems can a palate expander fix?

Yes, but in most adult cases, surgical assistance (SARPE) is required since the bones are fully fused and less responsive to traditional expansion.

Will it change how I talk or eat?

You may experience temporary changes in speech and eating habits, especially during the first week. These usually improve as you get used to the appliance.

How do you clean a palate expander?

Brush your teeth thoroughly, including around the expander, and use a water flosser or mouth rinse to clean hard-to-reach areas. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage the device.

Ultimate Guide to Palate Expanders and Braces: What You Need to Know