Palatal expanders are appliances worn on the upper teeth that force the jaw to expand or widen the palate. These appliances are typically used to treat mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, but there are other applications as well, such as relieving some symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, including pain and snoring. If you think you might be a good candidate for wearing a palatal expander, it’s important to know exactly what one is and how it works, so keep reading to learn more about these devices.
What Is An Appropriate Palate Expander For Adults?
The palate expander comes in many shapes and sizes but what is an appropriate expander for adults to use? This is a common question that I have received on my YouTube channel. I have received thousands of questions ranging from What palate expander should I buy? to How much does a palate expander cost?. So with that being said, today we are going to answer one of those questions by answering What is an appropriate palate expander for adults to use? so let’s get started. In order to answer what is an appropriate palatal expander for adults, first let’s go over some general information about palatal expanders. Most commonly, these devices are used on children who have a hard time chewing or breathing.
How Does A Palatal Expander Work?
The best way to tell if you’re a candidate for a palatal expander is to meet with an experienced orthodontist. They will examine your mouth and determine whether or not your jaw isn’t growing at an adequate rate. If that’s true, they will recommend a mouth expander and go over how it works. Essentially, when you put on a palatal expander, it opens up your palate, causing pressure in your jaw. Over time, that pressure forces bone growth until your jaw grows at a normal rate again.
Why Does My Child Need A Palate Expander?
The palate is a bony structure that separates your nasal and oral cavities. When children begin to lose their baby teeth (usually between ages 6 and 12), they start to grow new adult teeth under those baby teeth. However, if there’s not enough room for these adult teeth, or if space is constricted in some way, then there’s no room for the new teeth to erupt. This lack of room can lead to problems such as an overbite or an underbite, difficulty chewing, biting your cheek or tongue while eating, gagging and coughing while eating – even orthodontic issues. Usually a palatal expander will be prescribed as a temporary fix until enough growth occurs so that everything is ready for braces when you get older.
What Is The Best Age To Get A Palate Expander?
Most doctors will advise against getting a palate expander too early, as it can be uncomfortable and traumatic for a child. Because children’s bones are still developing, it’s difficult to know whether or not an expander is working without taking x-rays. This can be an expensive process, so many doctors will recommend waiting until age 10 or older before getting one. If you decide to get your child a palate expander before then, consult with your doctor to make sure everything goes smoothly.
How Long Does A Palatal Expander Stay In?
The typical time for wearing a palatal expander is 4 to 6 months. During that time, it is worn 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week. For most patients, that means 30 sessions at 20 minutes each over 4-6 months. Typically, a patient will see results in about 3-4 weeks after starting treatment and will continue to see changes every week as more expansion is added.
What To Expect When Wearing An Mouth Expander?
When you first begin wearing a mouth expander, it will feel very awkward. Some people may get chapped lips or even blisters. Don’t worry! You will adapt to it in time. After a few weeks of wearing your expander, your mouth will start to open up and get used to having something in it. This is what you want! After about three months of regular wear (three times per day), most people have opened their mouths wide enough that they can breathe through their mouths at night with no discomfort. There are still some situations when you will need to wear an expander while sleeping—most commonly if you have obstructive sleep apnea or another condition that causes your tongue and/or soft palate to collapse during sleep.
