Palatal expander

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Editor in Chief: Berna Zorkun DMD [1]

Synonyms and related keywords: rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander

Overview

A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. This can only be done when the patient is still growing, unless surgery is used to separate the two halves of the palate. It is most often followed by braces to straighten out all the teeth now that room has been created. Patients who have just gotten expanders may experience extra saliva and talking lisps. Additionally, patients may also feel a sore on their tongue from contact with the expander's metal bars. The expansion process usually results in a large gap between the patient's front teeth although this does not always happen. This gap is closed by subsequent orthodontics (braces). With expanders, the patient has to remember to turn the expansion screw themselves. For expansion that is not managed by the patient on both the upper and lower jaws, a bionator may be more suitable alternative.

Although it may vary from person to person, most usually feel slight pressure on their teeth. As the patient turns the expansion screw using the key, a space develops between the front two teeth. Some may notice a larger space while others do not notice a space at all. It usually takes several days to adjust to eating and speaking after first receiving the rapid palatal expander.

The brace also puts pressure in parts of the nose and wearers may also experience headaches.