Expanding Horizons: Building Beautiful Smiles from the Foundation
Benefits of Palatal Expanders (Expander Braces)
- Improve airflow and reduce sleep-related issues like snoring or apnea.
- Prevents teeth from becoming stuck in the jaw due to overcrowding.
- Resolves misalignment between the upper and lower jaws for proper bite function.
- Creates room for permanent teeth to erupt naturally without becoming impacted.
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.

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 Patients Cases
Patient BM - Teen aligners. 12 months; Anterior Open bite and spacing
Interested in a Free Consultation?
At Griffin Orthodontics in Milwaukee, we specialize in using advanced orthodontic solutions like palatal expanders to ensure your child’s oral health is optimized early on. Our team provides personalized care tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring comfort and effective results.
Orthodontic treatment length depends on each patient’s case, but most people at Griffin Orthodontics complete treatment in about 12 to 24 months. Minor adjustments or early-phase treatments can take less than a year, while more complex cases (for example, significant bite corrections) might take up to about 2 years. Whether you choose LightForce braces or Spark Clear Aligners, our West Allis orthodontist will give you an estimated timeframe after evaluating your smile. With modern techniques and regular check-ups, we make sure your treatment stays on schedule as much as possible. Remember, following your orthodontist’s instructions (like wearing aligners as directed or keeping appointments) also helps finish your treatment on time.
Yes. Griffin Orthodontics treats patients of all ages – children, teens, and adults – at our West Allis and Oak Creek offices. For children, we offer early evaluations (usually around age 7) and treatments like palatal expanders or early-phase braces to guide jaw growth and make future corrections easier. Teens can get traditional braces (with options like clear or LightForce braces) or clear aligners like Spark for a nearly invisible option during high school years. Adults are also welcome – it’s never too late to improve your smile, and we provide discreet treatment choices such as ceramic braces or Spark Clear Aligners to fit adults’ lifestyles. Our team personalizes treatment plans for each age group to ensure the best results and a comfortable experience.

Griffin Orthodontics in West Allis offers a full range of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. These include LightForce 3D-printed bracket braces (advanced traditional braces tailored to your teeth), Spark Clear Aligners (nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth), and palatal expanders for growing children who need jaw expansion. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a child, teen, or adult, this West Allis, WI orthodontist provides modern solutions to help everyone achieve a healthy, aligned smile.
Orthodontic treatment costs can vary based on the length and complexity of care. For most cases requiring 12 to 36 months of treatment, the average cost ranges from $3,800 to $6,500. If your child needs early interceptive treatment, which typically lasts 8 to 15 months, costs may be up to $3,600. Every smile is unique, so we’re here to provide personalized care that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Yes! Spark clear aligners can be a great option for young athletes since there are no brackets or wires to worry about. The aligners can be removed during games or practices if needed, making it easier to wear a standard sports mouthguard. Discuss this option with your orthodontist to see if Spark clear aligners is suitable for your child. If your interested in the difference between Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign look here!
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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