Expanders

Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

Correct crowding & alignment issues
Widen a narrow airway
Set your child up for success

Dr. Mary on Expanders

A palatal expander is an amazing tool that we have in orthodontics. We’re able to widen the upper jaw and create space for teeth that maybe didn’t have space. When I first see a child for a consultation, first thing I look for is does that child have enough room for their adult teeth to come in.

If they don’t, a palatal expander will really help out with that. So the way it works is when you place it in, it’s going to widen their upper jaw. That widening is going to create space for additional teeth to come in.

And I’m able to use that space with braces to kind of consolidate spaces and make sure those teeth come in nicely. When a child doesn’t have enough room in their mouth for all their adult teeth to come in, there could be a lot of consequences in the future. One of those being your teeth might come in a little funky.

They might come in really crowded. And a really serious consequence is they might need extraction in the future. So we might need to take a couple teeth out in the future in order to create that space to move teeth.

So one thing that we try to do nowadays is we try to do expanders a little bit earlier on because we’re able to actually widen the jaw with an expander when they’re young enough so that would minimize the risk of needing possible extraction in the future or something a little bit more severe. If you’re a parent and I tell you your child needs an expander and you’re a little bit worried, I really try to answer all your questions, make sure you’re well informed about why, we sit down, we’ll talk about everything. And that all happens in the initial consultation.

So whenever I have a parent that’s a little bit confused or a little bit worried like why does my child need an expander, I go over everything with them. We go over the x-ray, the scan, and I lay out reasons why this would be the best treatment option. When a kid first gets their expander on, they might feel a little bit nervous, they might be embarrassed to go to school, but I find it that if the parents are on board with it too, the patients will feel a lot more comfortable with their expander.

So I always let patients know this is needed, this is necessary. So try to help your kids feel more comfortable. And I always also let kids know too that they’re going to get really used to their expander in only just a couple days.

Once an expander is in place, it might take your child a couple of days just to get used to it, to get comfortable, especially when talking, when eating food. But really it’s not too bad. We turn the expander one turn a day, so we do very slow movements, and your child doesn’t have to experience a lot of pain with that.

So really after a week, I see kids, it’s just a part of their mouth now. Kids are very resilient, so they really do get used to it very fast.

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Improve Your Child’s Oral Health With Northville Expanders

Experience a new level of comfort and confidence with Northville expanders. These custom-made orthodontic devices gradually widen your upper jaw and palate to create the perfect space for teeth to align naturally. An expander can help patients of all ages benefit from:

Better breathing through expanded nasal passages, which can help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality
Reduced need for tooth extraction since the expanded jaw creates natural space for crowded teeth
Improved facial symmetry and profile as the upper jaw develops into its ideal position
Prevention of future dental problems by addressing jaw development early
Easier teeth cleaning and better oral hygiene with properly spaced teeth
More comfortable bite alignment, which can help reduce jaw pain and headaches
Potential improvement in pronunciation and speech clarity

Call Profound Orthodontics today at 248-929-9978 to schedule a complimentary consultation and see if an expander is right for you or your child. We’re conveniently located on South Center Street between West Main Street and West Cady Street.

Boost Your or Your Child’s Smile With an Expander

Lessen the Need for Braces

Early intervention with palatal expanders can make a lasting difference in your child’s dental development.

By gently widening the upper jaw during crucial growth periods, expanders create the ideal environment for adult teeth to emerge properly aligned. This proactive treatment often prevents overcrowding and bite issues before they become serious problems.

Just as a wider highway reduces traffic congestion, a properly expanded jaw gives teeth the space they need to grow in naturally.

We’ve seen countless young patients benefit from early expander treatment, often requiring minimal or no additional orthodontic care as teenagers. This approach not only enhances their oral health but can also reduce future treatment costs and time spent in the orthodontist’s chair.

Improve Sleep Quality With an Expander

Palatal expanders offer benefits that go beyond dental alignment. Parents frequently report that their children experience improved nasal breathing following treatment, along with enhanced sleep quality and fewer tension headaches.

These positive changes occur because expanding the upper jaw naturally increases the space in nasal airways.

A wider jaw and palate also support essential daily functions. Many children find it easier to chew thoroughly and speak clearly after expander treatment.

The improvements in airway space often lead to quieter, more restful sleep – a welcome change that benefits the whole family.

Call Profound Orthodontics today at 248-929-9978 for more information on Northville expanders. You can also make an appointment online.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Expanders

At what age should my child get an expander?

The ideal age for expander treatment is typically between 7 and 14 years old, before the palate completes development. Early evaluation allows us to time the treatment perfectly for best results.

Will my child’s speech be affected by an expander?

There’s typically a brief adjustment period of three to five days where speech may sound different, particularly with “s” sounds. Most children adapt quickly and return to normal speech within a week. We can provide tips to speed up the adjustment process and ensure clear pronunciation.

Will insurance cover expander treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of expander treatment, typically ranging from 50 to 80 percent of the cost when deemed medically necessary. Our office team will verify your coverage and explain any out-of-pocket expenses.

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