A palate expander is an orthodontic device commonly used to treat children who are missing some of their baby teeth. It’s also sometimes used on adults, particularly those who have had oral surgery or other trauma to the mouth that has altered the structure of their palate and made it difficult to fit standard dental appliances, such as crowns or braces, in place. This article will explore the unique use of palate expanders on adults and explain how you can get one if you think you might benefit from it in your treatment plan.
What Is An Appropriate Palate Expander For Adults?
While there is not really an appropriate palatal expander for adults, you will want to select one that is made out of quality materials that can last for years. How much pressure you are able to put on your expander will also be a factor in choosing one. Before purchasing a palate expander for adults, it would be wise to speak with your doctor about which one is right for you or have them help you pick one out. You should also check reviews and look into customer feedback from people who have purchased palatal expanders before in order to find out what brands might work best and how they rate in terms of comfort, effectiveness, and durability.
How Does A Palatal Expander Work?
The expander is placed on your upper palate, which separates your top jaw from your bottom jaw. The expander typically has two parts: a bracket and a spacer. The appliance will gently expand and widen your mouth over time by gradually moving your upper jaw forward in small increments (typically once every one to three weeks). You’ll wear it while you sleep at night, eventually removing it when your mouth is wide enough. It’s important to note that widening palates with an expander is irreversible—you can never make yourself smaller again! That’s why it’s vital to start slowly and move cautiously through treatment.
Why Does My Child Need A Palate Expander?
The palate is part of your child’s mouth. The hard and soft palates are also known as soft palate and hard palate. During infancy, both plates are soft, and as a child grows older, they fuse together. A palatal expander helps to prevent that fusing from happening before it’s time. Since fused plates don’t allow for normal breathing or proper development of speech sounds, your child may be at risk for developmental problems if these problems aren’t addressed by using a palate expander. If you notice delays in speech development or other symptoms associated with a blocked airway, you should see your pediatrician right away for an evaluation. Treatment typically starts when your child is one year old.
What Is The Best Age To Get A Palate Expander?
While doctors will vary on their individual recommended ages, it’s generally safe to say that a palate expander should be considered after all primary teeth have fallen out. Most children start losing teeth around age 6, with permanent teeth emerging by 13 or 14. In short, if you’re over 10 and haven’t lost all your baby teeth yet, it might be time to look into what a palate expander can do for you. Just don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your doctor first!
How Long Does A Palatal Expander Stay In?
While every patient is different, most patients wear their palatal expander for about 16-18 hours a day. It is important to note that when a patient has braces on both top and bottom teeth, he or she will likely wear an expander for less time each day. Some patients choose to remove their expander during meals but if you are in pain during these meals you may want to consider leaving it in place. If you decide to take your expander out at meal times, be sure to rinse your mouth well with water before removing it so that food particles do not get trapped under your appliance while eating.
Does A Palatal Expander Hurt?
That’s one of those nasty side effects that come with orthodontic work. The good news is that your discomfort will go away when you stop wearing your expander, but it might come back if you don’t wear it often enough or forget to wear it on occasion. To avoid excessive and unnecessary pain, be sure to follow instructions and contact your dentist if there is any abnormal pain or pain that won’t go away (talk to them before any questions). You may need more frequent adjustments; your dentist will keep an eye on how well things are progressing in order to ensure things stay moving along smoothly.
What To Expect When Wearing An Mouth Expander?
When you first begin wearing a mouth expander, it will feel uncomfortable. This is normal and to be expected. However, with time, you’ll adjust and hardly notice it’s there. If you’ve had your mouth expander for a while, be patient; you still have some adjusting left to do. When your mouth expansion schedule says it’s time to switch expansions (such as from No. 1 to No. 2), it doesn’t mean that day or that week; it could take several weeks for your teeth to adjust completely. It may seem like a hassle at first, but if you stick with your treatment plan, eventually wearing an mouth expander won’t be noticeable at all!
