When Is a Palate Expander Necessary?

23 March 2026 | Dr. Frédéric Lavoie

Have you received a treatment plan that includes a palate expander? Rest assured, this procedure is common and offers significant long-term benefits. It helps guide the natural growth of the jaw, particularly in children and adolescents, whose sutures are still flexible.

Palatal expansion can also be performed in adults when it is needed as part of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Why Use This Type of Appliance?

An expansion appliance may be recommended by your orthodontist as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to help correct misalignment or bite (occlusion) problems. This type of appliance can also help address breathing issues caused by a narrow palate, such as mouth breathing during sleep.

Alignment

The device can be used to create space between overlapping teeth. This step is often recommended as part of an orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth caused by crowding.

Occlusion

A narrow palate can cause occlusion problems where the lower and upper teeth do not align properly. The use of an expansion appliance can correct the relationship between the lower and upper jaws.

Breathing

Some breathing problems can be caused by a narrow palate. This can be the case with mouth breathing during the night. Palate widening can sometimes help alleviate the resulting symptoms.

The Process: What to Expect?

1. Installation of the Device

The expansion device is a fixed device held in place by metal bands (small metal rings) that are perfectly adjusted to the size of the patient’s molars. The metal rings are bonded to the teeth using a strong dental cement, which is applied inside the bands to ensure a secure fit.

2. Activation and Start of Treatment

A small expansion screw is in the center of the appliance. By turning it with a special key, gentle pressure is applied to both sides of the palate (palatal suture), encouraging it to widen gradually.

You may feel some pressure, but this step usually causes little or no pain. Speech and eating may be affected after the appliance is fitted, but they typically return to normal within a few days.

To ensure the treatment is effective, it is essential to follow the schedule prescribed by your orthodontist.

3. Duration and Hygiene

The duration of treatment varies depending on each patient’s needs and goals, as well as the type of issue being corrected. Results are generally achieved within 6 to 9 months after the appliance is fitted. However, only your orthodontist can determine the exact duration of treatment for your specific case.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to achieving the best possible results and keeping your teeth healthy. You may need to adjust your brushing routine, as it can become more difficult to reach certain teeth.

Your orthodontist can provide guidance on how to maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

4. The Stabilization Phase

Patients often think that the appliance will be removed as soon as the desired width is achieved. In reality, it is not removed immediately. Once the palate has been widened, it is essential to allow time for the bone to stabilize and solidify so it can maintain its new position.

If the appliance is removed too soon, the palate may begin to return to its original position, which could compromise the results.

Foods to Avoid During Treatment

Sticky Foods

Orthodontic appliances can easily trap food, making some foods difficult to clean away. During treatment, it is recommended to avoid sticky foods, such as caramels and chewing gum, as they can cling to the expansion appliance and make maintaining oral hygiene more challenging.

Hard Foods

Hard foods, such as nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and raw vegetables (like carrots and celery), can cause the appliance to become loose. If this happens, you will need to see your orthodontist to have it properly reattached.

If your appliance shifts or becomes loose, or if you experience sharp or persistent pain, contact your orthodontist immediately for a consultation. If you are unable to insert or turn the expansion key, do not force it: call your dental clinic for a checkup instead.

Receiving a treatment plan that includes a palatal expander may seem daunting at first, but it is a  common and beneficial step for dental health. This type of appliance helps correct tooth position, improves chewing function, and promotes proper alignment. By following your orthodontist’s recommendations and maintaining rigorous hygiene, you will optimize results and contribute to improving your smile and everyday comfort.