Palate expanders: how they work, care and FAQs

What is a palate expander?

Cleveland Clinic describes a palate expander as an oral device that widens a narrow upper jaw. It fits in the roof of the mouth and gradually moves the two halves of the jawbone apart. Colgate describes a custom-made plate cemented or bonded to several upper molars, with two halves joined by a central screw that is turned with a special key. A removable type exists, which Cleveland Clinic says looks like a retainer and is used for smaller adjustments. Our guide on what a palate expander is covers the details, including space maintainers.

Who needs a palate expander?

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist or orthodontist may recommend one for crowded, overlapping or crooked teeth, impacted teeth, difficulty chewing, or a misaligned bite such as a crossbite, open bite, overbite or underbite, and that it may also help some people with obstructive sleep apnea. Colgate says it is most often recommended for a crossbite or when there is not enough room for permanent teeth to come in correctly, and that it works best for children and preteens whose mouth bones are still growing.

How does a palate expander work?

Cleveland Clinic says it applies gentle, steady force to each side of the palate, slowly widening the upper jaw, and new bone fills the space left behind. The upper jaw is in two halves joined in the middle, and in growing children this joint is more flexible, which is why children respond best. That last point is general knowledge and flagged. Teens and adults can have one, but Cleveland Clinic says they may need up to a year.

How do you turn a palate expander?

A rapid expander has a small central screw that is turned a little each day with a special key. Cleveland Clinic says it widens the jaw by a small amount each day, and most people reach the desired result in three to six months. Colgate says a parent turns the key once or twice a day, as the orthodontist directs. Follow your orthodontist's instructions on how far and how often, because the schedule is set for each child. Never turn it more than you have been told.

Does a palate expander hurt?

Cleveland Clinic says minor discomfort is common for the first few days, and some people feel slight soreness after turning the key. It says over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and that the device should not cause severe pain. Colgate says a child may feel pressure below the eyes or at the top of the nose, especially after a turn, and does not describe it as severely painful. Contact the orthodontist about any concerning side effects.

How do you eat and speak with a palate expander?

Colgate says talking and eating may feel awkward at first but children typically adjust, and that temporary drooling and lisping are common. It advises avoiding nuts, sticky foods, candy and ice and not letting a child chew pencils or put objects in the mouth that could damage the expander. Cleveland Clinic lists lisping, drooling and headaches among temporary effects. Soft foods for the first days are a sensible start, which is general advice and flagged.

How long does a palate expander stay in?

Cleveland Clinic says it depends on age, severity and how consistently it is used: an 8-year-old may need one to two months of expansion and an adult several months to a year or more, and after reaching the target width it often stays in for another four to six months so the jawbone can strengthen. Colgate cites the British Orthodontic Society as three to nine months for stabilizing after expansion. The sources give overlapping ranges, so ask the orthodontist for your child's plan.

How do you clean a palate expander?

Cleveland Clinic says to clean it thoroughly every day because food, debris and plaque can build up and cause a bad taste or odor. Colgate says to brush the expander at least three times a day, ideally after meals, and that a syringe of water can flush out food particles when brushing is not enough. Our guides on braces and cleaning appliances cover brushing around orthodontic devices.

How much does a palate expander cost?

The sources we read do not give prices, and neither does this page. Cost depends on the type, the practice and whether it is part of a larger orthodontic plan. Ask for a written quote that says what is included, such as the fitting, check-ups, the removal and any later braces, and whether insurance covers it. Our guide on why dental care is expensive explains what sits behind fees in general.

Questions to ask your orthodontist

Take these to the consultation.

• Why does my child need an expander, and why now?
• How many turns, and how often, and for how long?
• How long will it stay in after expansion?
• Will we need braces afterwards?
• What should we do if the appliance comes loose?

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Frequently asked questions