Palatal Expansion: Creating Space for Jaw Growth, Healthy Airway Development & Permanent Teeth.
If your child has narrow jaws, crowded teeth, or struggles with breathing through their nose, palatal expansion may be an appropriate treatment to consider.
At our TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre, we use gentle, custom-made expanders to create more room for proper jaw alignment, airway development, and optimal tongue positioning.
What is Palatal Expansion?
How Palatal Expansion Works
We use customized devices, known as palatal expanders, which apply gentle, consistent pressure to slowly widen the palate over time. These expanders:
- Create more space for teeth, reducing crowding.
- Encourage proper tongue placement, encouraging habitual nasal breathing.
- Expand the nasal passages, improving breathing and airflow.
- Promote better alignment and balance of the facial structures.
Each device is tailored specifically for your child’s unique anatomy using precise digital scans. This ensures comfortable, effective, and personalized treatment.
Who Benefits from Palatal Expansion?
Your child may benefit from palatal expansion if they exhibit:
- Crowded or crooked teeth.
- Narrow upper jaw or high-arched palate.
- Mouth breathing or frequent snoring.
- Chronic nasal congestion or allergies.
- Speech delays or feeding difficulties.
- Behavioral issues or difficulty focusing, often misdiagnosed as ADD/ADHD.
- Family history of orthodontic issues or jaw misalignment.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Palatal expansion is most effective when started early, ideally between ages 4 to 10, when a child’s jaws are still developing rapidly.
Early treatment can:
- Prevent severe dental crowding and the potential need for aggressive treatment later on
- Support proper facial growth and airway health.
- Minimize future orthodontic interventions.
- Reduce the risk of long-term breathing and sleep issues.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We start with an in-depth assessment, including three-dimensional imaging and airway analysis, to pinpoint your child’s specific needs.
- Custom Appliance Design: Using digital impressions, we create a comfortable, precise palatal expander tailored to your child’s mouth.
- Gentle Expansion: Over several weeks to months, the expander gently widens the palate. Regular check-ins ensure progress is on track.
- Supportive Care: Palatal expansion is combined with myofunctional therapy exercises to help your child develop healthy oral habits and optimal muscle function.
Collaboration for Optimal Results
Our multidisciplinary approach means we collaborate closely with pediatric ENT specialists, sleep physicians, myofunctional therapists, and orthodontists. This teamwork ensures every aspect of your child’s oral, airway, and overall health is considered and treated effectively.