Expanding Horizons: Building Beautiful Smiles from the Foundation
Unlock the potential of a confident smile with Griffin Orthodontics' Palatal Expanders. Our expert team is dedicated to providing high-quality orthodontic care in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Palatal expanders are a transformative solution for widening the upper jaw, improving dental alignment, and enhancing overall oral health. Whether you're a concerned parent or an adult considering orthodontic treatment, our palatal expanders can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.
Benefits of Palatal Expanders (Expander Braces)
- Improves Bite Alignment
- Minimizes Need for Tooth Extractions
- May Improve Breathing & Airway Function
- Shortens Overall Orthodontic Treatment Time
Who is a Candidate for a Palatal Expander?
Palatal expanders are most effective for children aged 8-14 when their bones are still growing. Early intervention can prevent more severe orthodontic problems later in life, such as asymmetric jaw development or impacted teeth requiring surgery.
How Does a Palatal Expander Work?
A palatal expander applies gentle, steady pressure to the upper jaw, encouraging it to widen gradually. Over time, the bone responds to this pressure by creating new bone in the center of the palate, allowing the jaw to expand safely and naturally.
Why Choose a Palatal Expander Over Braces or Aligners?
| Feature | Palatal Expander | Braces/Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | Gradually widens the upper jaw to create space | Aligns individual teeth within the existing jaw structure |
| Treatment Goals | Corrects crowding, crossbites, and improves airway | Straightens teeth and corrects bite misalignments |
| Age Suitability | Best for children and adolescents with growing jaws | Suitable for teens and adults |
| Customization | Tailored to expand the palate based on dental anatomy | Custom brackets or aligners for tooth alignment |
| Duration | Typically 3-6 months | 12-24 months |
Real Patient Cases
Explore our real patient transformations
Patient X
Yes, there is usually just a small learning curve. Most young musicians find that after a week or two of practice, they can play their trumpet, flute, or clarinet just as well as before. We provide plenty of orthodontic wax to help cushion the lips during those first few practice sessions, ensuring your child can stay active in their school band or orchestra.
This is a common concern for parents when deciding between Spark™ Clear Aligners and fixed braces. Because aligners are removable for eating and sports, they can occasionally be misplaced in a school cafeteria or locker room. If your child struggles with organization or is prone to losing track of their belongings, traditional or LightForce™ 3D-printed braces might be the better choice. These “fixed” options remain bonded to the teeth throughout treatment, removing the responsibility of tracking removable trays and ensuring the process stays on schedule without the added cost or delay of ordering replacement aligners.
Absolutely. We work with many local Milwaukee schools to find appointment times that minimize time away from the classroom. Many parents prefer starting treatment during a school break so their child has a few days to get used to the feel of braces, but we successfully start new smiles all year round.
Yes! This is often referred to as Phase 1 treatment. We sometimes place braces on just a few permanent teeth while baby teeth are still present to correct a specific issue, like a crossbite or severe crowding, that could cause bigger problems later. Once those baby teeth fall out, we typically take a “rest” period before starting Phase 2 when all permanent teeth are in.
Absolutely! One of the most exciting parts for kids and teens getting braces is the ability to personalize their smile. We offer a wide variety of colored bands that can be swapped out at every adjustment appointment, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. Whether they want to represent their school colors, match a holiday theme, or just pick their favorite shades, Dr. Griffin and our team love helping patients express their personality through their orthodontic journey.
Resources & Support
Straight Talk: Navigating Your Orthodontic Journey
From expert advice on choosing the right braces to tips on maintaining your oral health during treatment, our articles aim to empower you on your journey to a beautiful, confident smile.
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