{"id":60134,"date":"2025-08-25T08:42:41","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T12:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/palatine-expanders-what-are-they-used-for-and-when-to-use-them\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T14:11:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T19:11:37","slug":"palatine-expanders-what-are-they-used-for-and-when-to-use-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/palatine-expanders-what-are-they-used-for-and-when-to-use-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Palatine expanders: what are they used for and when to use them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” padding_top_1=”0px” padding_top_2=”0px” padding_top_bottom_link_1=”false” padding_top_bottom_link_2=”false” padding_left_right_link_1=”false” padding_left_right_link_2=”false” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ min_height=”1122.6px” custom_margin=”0px||-153px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”64px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||12px|||” title_font_size_tablet=”50px” title_font_size_phone=”24px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date_format=”j M Y” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”||||||||” title_font_size=”64px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_text_color=”#1fa6c4″ custom_margin=”||12px|||” title_font_size_tablet=”50px” title_font_size_phone=”24px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Cardo||||||||” text_text_color=”#2a2a2a” text_font_size=”42px” text_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|||on|||||” custom_margin=”||7px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”36px” text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

A small device… for big changes!
<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_line_height=”1.8em” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In orthodontics, some treatments begin with a step that is often unknown… but nevertheless essential: palatal expansion<\/b><\/span>. The device used? The Palatine Expander<\/g>. Discreet, but frighteningly effective, this small device can transform a smile into a soft one. <\/p>\n

At Amortho, we like to make orthodontics more accessible, by simply explaining what happens behind each appliance. So, what is a palatal expander used for?<\/b><\/span> And in what cases is it used?<\/b><\/span> <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WHAT IS A PALATAL EXPANDER?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

The palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance that is installed on the palate, often attached to the molars. His mission? Gradually widen the upper jaw<\/b><\/span>. <\/p>\n

It is activated with a small key, according to a precise protocol given by the orthodontist. The movement is very gentle, but as the days go by, it helps create more space in the mouth. <\/p>\n

Why use it? To correct a lack of space<\/b><\/span>, prevent or treat crowded teeth<\/b><\/span>, or to improve occlusion<\/b><\/span> (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together). This is often a first step<\/b><\/span> before a more complete treatment with braces or other devices. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”There is no age for a beautiful smile” title_text=”There is no age for a beautiful smile” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” custom_margin=”-1px|-9vw|46px||false|false” custom_padding=”53px|||||” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_horizontal=”-22px” box_shadow_vertical=”14px” box_shadow_blur=”40px” box_shadow_spread=”-5px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.42)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”33px||1px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||-10px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/amortho.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/17.webp” alt=”smile with confidence at Archambault Morton orthodontist for adults” title_text=”Archambault Morton image blog” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_line_height=”1.8em” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Why enlarge the palate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In some children, the palate is too narrow. As a result, teeth can grow crooked, lack space, or lead to a crossbite (when the upper teeth bite into the inside of the lower ones). <\/p>\n

Palatal expansion corrects this imbalance by changing the width of the palate while the bones are still malleable. We therefore often act before adolescence, in a period when development is still very active. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At what age do you use a palatal expander?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\n

In general, palatal expansion is recommended between the ages of 7 and 12, before the closure of the bony sutures of the palate. That’s why a first orthodontic appointment is often suggested around the age of 7 \u2014 even if no treatment is started right away. <\/p>\n

That said, every child is unique! The orthodontist assesses the situation with X-rays, 3D scans and a detailed clinical examination. <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”33px||1px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||-10px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”||63px|25px||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Is it painful?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The expansion can cause slight discomfort in the first few days: feeling of pressure in the nose, palate or between the teeth. But it’s the feeling is usually painless and quick to fade. <\/p>\n

After a few activations, the device quickly becomes a daily companion, and young patients adapt to it very well. Promised! <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And after the expansion?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once the desired enlargement has been achieved, the device often remains in place for a few months to stabilize the results. Afterwards, the orthodontist will be able to plan the rest of the treatment (braces, aligners, etc.) with a well-prepared jaw. <\/p>\n

It’s a bit like creating the foundation before building the house: a solid foundation allows for a more stable result… and a lasting smile!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Related Articles” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”30px|||||” top_divider_color=”#ffffff” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(152,149,149,0.39)” divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”70px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” max_width=”750px” header_2_font_size_tablet=”48px” header_2_font_size_phone=”36px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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A small device… for big changes!In orthodontics, some treatments begin with a step that is often unknown… but nevertheless essential: palatal expansion. The device used? The Palatine Expander. Discreet, but frighteningly effective, this small device can transform a smile into a soft one. At Amortho, we like to make orthodontics more accessible, by simply explaining […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[101,102],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog-posts","category-orthodontics-faq"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60134"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60136,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60134\/revisions\/60136"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}