Has your child recently been diagnosed with a narrow palate? Is this causing teeth misalignment, trouble breathing, or other orthodontic concerns? In that case, they have likely been recommended to get a palatal expander. While it may sound daunting, palatal expanders are commonly recommended to patients who need to create space within their mouths to address orthodontic concerns or make space for adult teeth. Today, we will demystify this process and provide a clear, step-by-step overview of what patients (and their parents) can expect when getting a palatal expander from Greg Brown Orthodontics.
The 7 Steps of Palatal Expander Treatment
If your child has been diagnosed with crooked, overlapping, impacted, or crowded teeth, an improper bite alignment, or breathing problems due to a narrow palate, palatal expander treatment may be an option.
For parents of children and pre-teens who have been recommended for a palatal expander, here is what you can expect from Greg Brown Orthodontics in Kennewick.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
To confirm whether palatal expansion is the right course of action, an initial consultation is the first step. Whether your child is one of our patients or has been recommended to us by another dentist’s office, at Greg Brown Orthodontics, we will conduct an oral examination and take digital images to assess their current oral health status. Next, we will discuss your treatment goals and your family’s lifestyle to determine whether a palatal expander is appropriate for your child at this stage of their life.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
If palatal expansion is approved, next we will craft a custom treatment plan. Every patient’s oral health journey is unique. For some, palatal expansion may need to be conducted along with other orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal success. We will explain the various treatment plan variables, how long your child’s palatal expander will need to be worn, and what you can do as a parent to help your child stay on track with their treatment.
Step 3: Fitting the Expander
After the treatment plan is confirmed, a digital scan of the mouth is taken, and an expander will be custom-made in our laboratory. Next, we will schedule a follow-up fitting appointment to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. At our practice, we do everything in our power to make your child’s experience comfortable and ensure they feel at ease. We also encourage our patients to speak up if they are feeling any excess discomfort so we can adjust the appliance as needed.
Step 4: Activation and At-Home Care
Once a perfect fit is complete, it is time to activate the treatment. The active expansion phase is the time when an expander is actively widened by using a key to turn the device according to a specific calendar. We will provide patients with instructions on how to turn the expander and outline their schedule for doing so. The duration of this phase varies from patient to patient, depending on the amount of expansion required. We want to emphasize that keeping on schedule is the best way to secure success in the shortest time, as any missed turns will delay the treatment.
During your activation and fitting appointment, we will also provide cleaning tips, recommendations for dietary adjustments, and guidance on managing any discomfort. This is a wonderful time to ask any questions you may have about daily use; we are more than happy to explain or provide demonstrations!
Step 5: Regular Check-ins
To monitor your child’s palatal expander progress, we will schedule regular check-ins for them. Should they miss a turn in their calendar or have any issues, this is the ideal time to address these concerns. We will make any necessary adjustments and address any questions that arise along the way.
We want to note that there is always the possibility that the palatal expander could break due to an oral trauma or by attempting to eat something that shouldn’t have been eaten. For example, hard, crunchy, and sticky foods should be avoided during treatment. While it is unlikely, if the appliance gets damaged, it is important to let us know right away rather than waiting until the next check-in. Should this happen, please call our office and we will arrange for your child to be seen as quickly as possible.
Step 6: Retention Phase
Once we have achieved the desired position in your child’s active expansion phase, they can proceed to the retention phase. The retention phase simply maintains the palatal device in its final position, without requiring any additional turns. We will leave the appliance in place for a period of time to allow things to settle and for the bone in their palate to adjust to the expansion.
Step 7: Removal and Next Steps
Once your child has reached the end of their retention phase, it is time for removal. A quick and straightforward process, getting their palatal expander out is a fun milestone in their orthodontic journey.
Depending on their custom treatment plan, they will now be able to transition into their subsequent treatment, which for many is braces or aligners. Braces or aligners will correct the positioning of each individual tooth, allowing them to take advantage of the space they have spent time expanding and craft a beautiful, confident smile.
Greg Brown is Your Palatal Expansion Expert
If you are located in or around the Tri-Cities area and have been searching the web for a “palatal expansion orthodontist,” we at Greg Brown Orthodontics are here to help.
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic care and helping your child achieve their best smile. From start to finish, you can rest assured that we are making every effort to give your child the best treatment. From clear communication to helpful guides, we will be your partner and their cheerleader through their treatment.
Wondering if a palatal expander is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Greg Brown Orthodontics and get expert guidance from a team that puts your family first.
