A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance designed to widen the upper jaw when expansion is clinically appropriate.

The upper jaw, also called the maxilla, forms part of the roof of the mouth and contributes to the shape of the nasal and oral spaces.

Palatal expansion may be recommended for certain patients with a narrow upper jaw or specific orthodontic concerns.

Why Is Palatal Expansion Used?

Depending on the patient’s age and dental development, expansion may be considered to address:

  • A narrow upper jaw
  • Crossbite
  • Dental crowding
  • Arch-width concerns
  • Certain orthodontic problems
  • Selected airway-related concerns

The reason for expansion should be based on an individual examination rather than assuming that expansion is necessary for every patient with snoring or sleep apnea.

Palatal Expanders for Children

Children and adolescents may respond differently to expansion because their facial and skeletal structures are still developing.

A child’s orthodontic and airway evaluation may consider:

  • Upper jaw width
  • Dental arch development
  • Crossbite
  • Tooth eruption
  • Nasal breathing
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sleep symptoms
  • Facial growth

When appropriate, early evaluation can help identify orthodontic concerns that may benefit from treatment during development.

Palatal Expansion for Adults

Adults can also be evaluated for expansion, although treatment planning is different because the facial bones have matured.

Depending on the patient, treatment may involve different types of orthodontic or skeletal expansion.

The appropriate approach depends on the patient’s anatomy, dental condition, age and treatment goals.

Does Palatal Expansion Treat Sleep Apnea?

Palatal expansion may have a role in airway-focused treatment for selected patients, but it should not be presented as a universal treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Patients with suspected or diagnosed sleep apnea should receive appropriate sleep evaluation and medical care.

What to Expect

Your evaluation may include:

  • Dental examination
  • Bite and jaw evaluation
  • Assessment of upper-jaw width
  • Review of breathing and sleep symptoms
  • Digital records or imaging when appropriate
  • Discussion of treatment alternatives
  • Personalized treatment planning

A Team Approach to Airway Health

Airway and sleep concerns can involve several areas of healthcare. Depending on the patient’s needs, coordination with an orthodontist, pediatrician, ENT, sleep physician or other healthcare professional may be recommended.

Schedule an Airway & Orthodontic Evaluation

If you have questions about palatal expansion for yourself or your child, contact our office to discuss whether an evaluation is appropriate.