Invisalign Palatal Expander®
Discover the Invisalign Palatal Expander for Kids
At Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry, we are excited to offer the innovative Invisalign Palatal Expander® System for children aged 6 to 11. As a certified Invisalign provider, we bring this advanced treatment option to our young patients, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience.
Why Choose the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
1. Enhanced Comfort: Traditional metal expanders can be uncomfortable for children. The Invisalign Palatal Expander features a screw-free design, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
2. Proven Effectiveness: This system has been clinically tested and is proven to be both safe and effective. It delivers reliable results without the need for daily adjustments required by older devices.
3. Reduced Anxiety: Orthodontists trained in Invisalign technology have found that this expander significantly reduces patient anxiety compared to conventional expanders.
How the Invisalign Palatal Expander Works
The Invisalign Palatal Expander employs a series of custom-fit expanders that are 3D-printed to gradually widen the palate. This innovative approach eliminates the need for manual adjustments, making the process less stressful and more comfortable for your child.
Cost and Payment Options
Investing in the Invisalign Palatal Expander can be more manageable with various flexible payment options available, including dental insurance coverage and benefits. Please consult with our office to explore the best plan for your family’s needs.
Benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander
- No Daily Adjustments: Unlike traditional expanders, there is no requirement for daily screw-turning. The sleek and comfortable design ensures a smoother experience for both children and parents.
- FDA-Cleared and Effective: This is the only FDA-cleared removable palatal expander, providing effectiveness comparable to traditional expanders.
- Easy Maintenance: The expander is removable, allowing for easy brushing and flossing without metal interference.
Features Designed for Kids
- Child-Friendly: Most children can manage the expander independently, and it fits comfortably without disrupting daily routines.
- No Food Restrictions: Enjoy mealtimes without limitations. Your child can eat their favorite foods without worry.
- Fewer Emergency Visits: With no metal or wires, there are fewer chances of emergencies or unexpected orthodontic visits.
Smile Arc Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing the best orthodontic solutions for our patients as a certified Invisalign provider. Our dedication to advanced, patient-friendly care is exemplified by the Invisalign Palatal Expander System. Feel free to contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation to learn more about this innovative treatment!
Palatal Expanders
One significant benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment during childhood is the ability to leverage a child’s natural growth process to treat or even prevent malocclusions, commonly known as “bad bites.” A palatal expander is a device specifically designed to assist in this process.
Palatal expanders are a common tool used in orthodontic treatment. They work by gradually widening the upper jaw, thereby creating more space in a child’s mouth. Despite initial concerns about the procedure, patients generally find it easy and well-tolerated.
This is because the upper jaw, or maxilla, develops as two separate halves that do not fully fuse until after puberty. This allows for gentle separation and stabilization of the two bones over a period of several months.
The three most common situations that require maxillary expansion are:
- Crossbite: This occurs when a child’s upper jaw is too narrow to properly align with the lower jaw, causing the upper back teeth to bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Expanding the upper jaw can help correct this issue.
- Crowding: Even before all of a child’s permanent (adult) teeth have erupted, it can be predicted that there may not be enough space for them. Widening the upper jaw can create the necessary room without resorting to tooth extractions.
- Impacted Teeth: This situation happens when a tooth has not erupted because it is blocked by other teeth. Expanding the upper jaw can allow the impacted tooth to emerge in the correct position on its own. This is often seen with the canine or eye teeth, which are located directly under the eyes.
How Expanders Work
An expander is a custom-made dental appliance that fits over several back teeth in the upper mouth. It consists of two halves connected by a screw in the center. To activate the device, you use a special key to turn the screw very slightly each day. This creates tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, gradually causing them to move apart.
Once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance will remain in place for a few additional months to allow new bone to form in the gap and stabilize the expansion. Generally, expanders are worn for a total of 3 to 6 months.
Effects of Expanders
After the expander is activated by turning the key, your child may experience some soreness or a feeling of pressure for a few minutes. However, this discomfort is generally less intense than the feeling experienced when braces are tightened. Initially, your child might notice that speaking and eating feel different as their tongue adjusts to the presence of the appliance.
It is also completely normal for a gap to appear between the front teeth, as this indicates that the expander is functioning correctly. Ultimately, the goal is for your child’s permanent teeth to be beautifully aligned, with just the right amount of space between them.
