What Is A Rapid Palatal Expander Used For
A rapid palatal expander can help reposition your child’s teeth more easily, often without the need for tooth extractions. Our Katy dental professional may suggest a rapid palatal expander if your child has:
- Crossbite: It often occurs due to a narrow upper jaw, causing the upper teeth to sit behind the lower ones. Expanding the upper jaw can correct this misalignment.
- Crowding: If your child’s jaw is too small or narrow to accommodate all permanent teeth, we can use an expander to create the necessary space. It also helps avoid the need to remove teeth.
- Impacted teeth: When a tooth cannot emerge because it is blocked by other teeth, widening the upper jaw may give it enough room to come in on its own. This is particularly helpful for impacted canines in children.
How Does A Rapid Palatal Expander Work
At our pediatric dental clinic in Katy, TX, we provide custom-made rapid palatal expanders that fit snugly over your child’s upper back teeth. This appliance consists of two halves joined in the middle by a screw. To activate the appliance, you or your child will simply have to turn the screw in a small amount with a special key.
Each turn creates gentle pressure at the center of the palate, causing the two halves of the upper jaw to gradually separate. Once the desired result is achieved, we will leave the appliance in for a few additional months to allow new bone to form in the gap. Typically, the entire process lasts between 3 and 6 months.
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What to Expect During Your Rapid Palatal Expander Treatment At Our Katy, TX Practice
Although the idea of expanding the upper jaw sounds painful, it is important to remember that in children and teens, the palatal bones are not fully fused. This makes the process easier and usually painless, requiring only mild tension to create movement.
However, your child may feel some pressure or mild soreness, especially during the first few days after turning the key. During this phase, they should consume a liquid or soft diet, including soups or smoothies. Turning the key at night can also help, as most of the pressure fades by morning.
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