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Where growing smiles get extra room to shine
A perfect smile starts with a solid foundation. That’s why we recommend palate expanders for children as young as 7 years old. These devices widen the upper jaw to make sure there’s enough space for permanent teeth to come in straight.
They help prevent crowded teeth, ensure that the lower jaw grows correctly, and improve breathing by expanding the nasal airway.
Interested in learning more about how Middletown dental expanders can benefit your child? Call us at (732) 852-9200 to schedule a consultation.
The importance of early palatal expansion
Optimizes jaw growth: Helps correct and guide the jaw’s development.
Enhances breathing: Improves nasal airflow, aiding in better respiratory function.
Prepares for future orthodontics: Creates the necessary space for future orthodontic work, reducing the need for extractions.
Supports symmetrical facial development: Helps maintain balance and symmetry in facial growth.
What should you know about palate expanders?
Think of a palate expander as laying the groundwork for your child’s future dental health. Much like preparing a foundation before building a house, a palate expander prepares your child’s mouth for upcoming orthodontic treatments. It gently widens the upper jaw to create adequate space for permanent teeth to align correctly.
Without this early intervention, trying to straighten teeth in a crowded jaw is like fitting too much furniture in a small room — it simply won’t fit properly. By using a palate expander, we ensure that there’s ample room for teeth to move into their correct positions, setting the stage for a smoother and more effective braces treatment later on.
Jerry C.
Erin L.
Dr. Jason and the staff are FANTASTIC! I was holding back tears due to being so impressed with his professionalism and friendliness. I’m so grateful to find him and I’m looking forward future appointments.
Jacqueline F.
Dr. Jason is skilled, patient, personable, and put the whole family at ease. When your 5-year-old leaves the dental chair smiling, you know it’s a win!
Is a palate expander right for your child?
Starting early can streamline your child’s path to a healthy smile and is key to tackling issues that are simpler to correct while they’re still young.
Look for crowded teeth
Overlapping or tightly packed teeth in your child’s mouth can be a sign they need more space to accommodate all their teeth.
Check their bite and chewing
Trouble biting or chewing can often be due to the jaw not aligning properly.
Listen for breathing changes
If your child snores or breathes through their mouth more than usual, it could be due to a narrow jaw affecting their airway.
Notice any bite misalignment
A noticeable crossbite might mean the upper jaw is too narrow.
At Acorn Pediatric Dental we are here to help. Call us at (732) 852-9200 to schedule your Middletown palate expander consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to start using a palate expander?
The ideal time to begin palate expansion is while your child’s jaw sutures are still flexible, which typically occurs between ages 7 and 12 for girls and 7 to 15 for boys. Starting during these age ranges allows us to achieve the most effective results, as the jaw is more responsive to adjustments.
Is the process of expanding painful?
The sensation of expansion is generally mild. Most children experience a feeling of pressure for a short period after adjustments but it quickly subsides.
How long will my child need to wear the expander?
The duration varies, typically ranging from several months to a year, depending on the specific needs of your child’s dental structure.
What are the signs that my child might need a palate expander?
Common signs include crowded teeth, crossbites, and breathing difficulties. Early consultation can determine if expansion is necessary.
How can I prepare my child for getting a palate expander?
Encourage positive thoughts about the benefits of the expander. Explaining how it helps make room for their big teeth can make the process exciting.
Are braces always needed after using a palate expander?
Not always. While many children do need braces after palate expansion to align their teeth perfectly, this isn’t the case for everyone. We assess each child’s needs to decide the best course of action.
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Call: (732) 852-9200
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Tuesday: 9am-6pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12pm-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-1pm (every other week)
Sunday: Closed
