Orthodontists like Dr. Geller recommend your child’s first orthodontic visit around age seven. At this early stage, we check how your child’s jaw and facial bones are developing and make sure there’s enough room for their adult teeth to come in properly. One common treatment we might recommend is a palatal expander—a custom orthodontic device that gently widens the upper jaw to create more space and improve bite alignment.
Your child has two dental arches—one for the top teeth and one for the bottom. These arches should fit together nicely to form a healthy bite. But sometimes, the upper arch is too narrow, which can cause problems like:
- Crowded teeth
- Impacted teeth (teeth that get stuck and can’t come in)
- Crossbite (when upper teeth bite inside the lower ones)
These issues can lead to even more concerns like jaw pain (TMJ), uneven wear on teeth, and even speech difficulties. That’s where a palatal expander comes in. It helps widen the upper arch and prevent these problems before they start.
A palatal expander is most effective while your child’s bones are still growing—before the two halves of the upper palate fuse together (usually in early to mid-teens). At our Plano, TX office, we offer custom expanders that fit comfortably between your child’s upper teeth. The device has a tiny screw in the middle that you’ll turn once or twice a day. This creates gentle pressure that slowly widens the arch.
Over the next few weeks, you’ll likely see a gap forming between the front teeth. That’s totally normal and usually closes on its own.
If we recommend a palatal expander, we’ll make sure you and your child know exactly how to use and care for it. Dr. Geller will walk you through what to expect and how to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. Our goal is to help your child develop a healthy, confident smile with treatments that are gentle, personalized, and effective.
