Palatal Expander

Palatal Expanders at Foster Orthodontics

A palatal expander is a common orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct issues such as crowding, crossbites, and narrow dental arches.

At Foster Orthodontics, we utilize palatal expanders as part of our comprehensive orthodontic treatment approach to achieve optimal results for our patients.

What you need to know about Palatal Expanders?

Purpose: The primary purpose of a palatal expander is to gradually widen the upper jaw to create additional space for crowded or misaligned teeth. By expanding the dental arch, a palatal expander can correct crossbites, improve bite alignment, and enhance overall facial symmetry.
Timing: Palatal expanders are often recommended for children during their early orthodontic treatment phase, typically between the ages of 8 and 14. This is because the bones of the jaw are still growing and can be easily manipulated to achieve desired changes in jaw width.
Customization: Palatal expanders are custom-made for each patient to ensure a proper fit and optimal results. The expander is attached to the upper molars with bands or cemented directly to the palate (roof of the mouth).
Activation: Palatal expanders work by applying gentle pressure to the palatal bones, gradually widening the upper jaw over time. Patients or parents will be instructed on how to activate the expander by turning a key or screw in the appliance at regular intervals, typically once or twice a day.
Adjustment Period: It is normal to experience some initial discomfort or pressure after the expander is activated. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days as the jaw adjusts to the expansion.
Duration of Treatment: The duration of palatal expander treatment varies depending on the severity of the jaw discrepancy and the desired amount of expansion. In general, treatment may last several months to a year.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the expander. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the expander may be left in place for a period of time to stabilize the correction before it is removed.
Orthodontic Treatment: Palatal expanders are often used in conjunction with braces or other orthodontic appliances to achieve comprehensive orthodontic correction. Following palatal expander treatment, further orthodontic treatment may be necessary to align teeth and refine the bite.

If you believe your child could benefit from a palatal expander or if you have any questions about this orthodontic appliance, please contact Foster Orthodontics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lang Foster. We’re dedicated to providing personalized orthodontic care to help your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Top Rated Orthodontist

Meet Dr. W. Lang Foster, III

Dr. Foster has years of experience working as a general dentist and understands the complete cycle of oral health as it relates to orthodontics. He genuinely enjoys his work as an orthodontist and the daily interactions he has with so many unique patients.

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Your smile is yours forever, and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the best orthodontic care whenever you need it.

** Our practice accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. **

Our office staff is always available to help you with insurance claims and paperwork, if you have insurance that will be covering any portion of your orthodontic treatment, please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage or ideas for how we can make your entire orthodontic experience a pleasant one.

Testimonials

The Proof is in Our Patients

We absolutely love Foster Orthodontics!!!! From the moment you walk in the door, you feel like you’re with family. The staff are kind, caring and always positive! It’s obvious they love their jobs. Dr. Foster is the best- there is absolutely no one else I’d send my children to!! He’s highly skilled, professional, and genuinely interested in your child. He has wonderful rapport with his patients, and really takes the time to explain what he is doing and why. Anderson is lucky to have this great team!!

I absolutely love Dr Foster and his staff! They are always so nice and accommodating. Very professional and knowledgeable in their craft. I’ve had a few unlucky accidents and they didn’t hesitate to get me in as quick as possible and never once treated me like it was a big deal or act upset. Always a smile on their faces and they truly treat you with compassion and kindness! My mom and niece also go here and they love them so much as well.

The best orthodontist and team there is! I love Dr. Foster and the girls! Everyone is so friendly and they genuinely get to know you. As a military family who has had alot of experiences with changing medical providers, my experience with Foster Orthodontics has been the BEST all around.

I am so grateful for Dr. Foster and his team. I was in there on Monday with two children to have their braces tightened. Everyone that works there from the receptionist to those taking x-rays and so forth my husband and I cannot be more pleased with this practice.

I would give them 100 stars if possible! Dr. Foster and his staff are excellent at what they do. They are caring, friendly, and professional. My daughter had her braces removed today and we are thrilled with how her smile turned out! I would not take my child anywhere else and highly recommend Dr. Foster if you need an Orthodontist. Thank you so much Foster Orthodontics for the excellent work and making us feel like family!

Palatal Expander