Short answer: A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance with a screw in the middle that widens the upper jaw in children and teenagers with a narrow upper jaw by slowly opening the midline of the palate (the suture). Following the clinician's instructions, the screw is turned regularly with a special key, usually over a few weeks; the appliance is then left in place for a few months so the bone can mature.
When is it used?
- Crossbite: The upper back teeth close inside the lower teeth
- Narrow upper jaw and palate: Dark spaces visible at the sides when smiling
- Crowding: Crowded teeth that need more room to line up
- As part of treating a retruded upper jaw: Together with a face mask
Why is it done in childhood?
During growth, the midline of the palate has not yet fully fused and can be opened with controlled force. With age, this area hardens. For this reason, palatal expansion is usually planned during the growth period. In people who have finished growing, appliances anchored to the bone or surgically assisted methods may be considered. For details, see our page on orthodontic jaw (palatal) expansion treatment.
How is the screw turned?
- Seat your child in a well-lit spot with the head tilted slightly back.
- Insert the key into the front hole of the screw.
- Push it in one movement in the direction the clinician showed you, until the key points to the next hole.
- Remove the key downwards and backwards; note each turn on a calendar.
How many turns are made and when to stop are decided individually. If you suspect too many turns, a missed turn or a turn in the wrong direction, contact the clinic.
Is a gap opening between the front teeth normal?
A gap opening between the upper front teeth during expansion is an expected sign that the palate is widening. This gap often closes by itself over the following weeks or is closed at a later stage of treatment.
What does it feel like in the first days?
- A feeling of pressure at the bridge of the nose and in the teeth
- Brief difficulty with speaking and swallowing
- Food collecting under the appliance
Soft foods and rinsing the mouth with water after every meal make this period easier. For other appliance types, see our page on orthodontic appliances.
Quick questions
Does a palatal expander hurt?
A brief feeling of pressure may be felt after the screw is turned; in most children it eases within a few minutes to a few hours.
Up to what age can palatal expansion be done?
There is no fixed age; the state of the palatal midline and the growth stage are assessed with X-rays and an examination.
Can clear aligners widen the palate?
Clear aligners can widen the dental arch to a limited extent; they do not always replace skeletal palatal expansion.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an intraoral examination, X-rays and a clinician's assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through these topics together with your questions during the first orthodontic consultation. For a general list of orthodontic problems, you can also see our page on orthodontic problems and treatment options.
