Palatal Expander in Manhattan, NYC
Palatal expander expands your upper jaw by putting pressure on upper molar teeth. Patients with constricted upper arch, severe crowding, and crossbite most likely need an expander use.
Ideal time to expand the palate is during growth, when palatal suture has not completely fused. But even in adults, expander can be used with a procedure called micro-osseosperformation (MOPs) or a special expander called mini-implant-supported expander (MARPE).
Patients with airway obstruction may benefit from expander treatment to enlarge nasal airway.
How to turn the expander
How Often to turn the expander
Every doctor has a different protocol, and every patient require different protocol. So if you forgot how often to turn the expander, you have to inquire your orthodontist. And also, do not turn more than you are instructed to!
Dr. Shin utilizes slow to semi-rapid expansion protocol to obtain physiologic changes in the suture and to reduce tissue damage at the suture. Slow expansion is once to twice of turning per week. Semi-rapid expansion is every other day turning. The protocol is determined by multiple factors such as patient’s age and complexity of suture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Expander at SmileWorks NYC
What is an orthodontic expander and how does it work?
An orthodontic expander is a specialized device that gradually widens the upper jaw to create more space for teeth and correct bite problems. The appliance fits in the roof of your child’s mouth and attaches to the back teeth for stability. It contains a small screw mechanism in the center that you turn daily with a special key, applying gentle pressure to slowly separate the two halves of the palate. This process takes advantage of the natural growth patterns in children, as the upper jaw consists of two bones that don’t fully fuse until after puberty. At SmileWorks in Manhattan, we use advanced 3D imaging to create custom expanders that fit comfortably and work efficiently.
At what age should my child get an orthodontic expander?
The ideal age for orthodontic expanders is typically between 7 and 14 years old, when the upper jaw is still developing and the palatal bones haven’t fused together. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7, which allows us to identify issues early and determine if expansion therapy would be beneficial. At SmileWorks, our unique advantage is having both pediatric dentistry and orthodontic specialists in one Manhattan office, so parents can discuss expansion options during regular pediatric checkups. Early intervention with expanders can often prevent the need for tooth extractions or more complex treatments later in life.
Why does my child need an orthodontic expander?
Children may need expanders to address several common issues including crossbites, where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside; overcrowding, where there isn’t enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly; and impacted teeth, particularly canines that can’t come in naturally. Additionally, some children with narrow upper jaws experience breathing difficulties or speech problems that can be improved with expansion. The expander creates additional space by widening the upper jaw, which can prevent facial asymmetry and ensure proper development. During your consultation at our Midtown East office, we’ll evaluate your child’s specific needs and explain how expansion can benefit their long-term oral health.
Is wearing an orthodontic expander painful for children?
Most children find orthodontic expanders much less uncomfortable than expected. The expansion process works with your child’s natural growth patterns, so there’s typically minimal pain involved. Some children may experience mild pressure or soreness, especially after turning the expander, but this usually subsides within a few hours. The most common side effects include temporary speech changes (particularly with “s” sounds), increased saliva production, and a slight gap appearing between the front teeth. These effects are temporary and resolve as your child adjusts to the appliance. At SmileWorks, we provide detailed instructions for managing any discomfort and ensure families feel supported throughout the treatment process.
How long does my child need to wear an expander?
The active expansion phase typically takes 2-6 months, depending on how much widening is needed. However, the expander usually remains in place for an additional 3-6 months after expansion is complete to allow new bone to form and stabilize the changes. This retention period is crucial for preventing the teeth from moving back to their original position. The total treatment time generally ranges from 6 months to 1 year. Our orthodontic team at SmileWorks will monitor your child’s progress closely and let you know exactly when it’s time to remove the expander and move to the next phase of treatment.
Can my child eat normally with an expander?
While your child can eat most foods with an expander, some dietary modifications will make the experience more comfortable and protect the appliance. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies while your child adjusts. Avoid sticky foods like caramel or taffy that can get stuck under the expander, and hard foods like nuts or ice that could damage the appliance. Cut foods into smaller pieces rather than biting directly into items like apples or sandwiches. Most children adapt quickly to eating with their expander, and within a week or two, they can enjoy most of their favorite foods with minor modifications.
Will the expander affect my child's speech?
Most children experience temporary changes in their speech when they first get an expander, particularly with sounds like “s,” “t,” and “sh.” This is completely normal because the tongue needs time to adjust to the new appliance in the roof of the mouth. Increased saliva production during the first few days can also affect speech temporarily. Most children adapt within 1-2 weeks and return to normal speech patterns. We encourage parents to have their children practice reading aloud to help speed up this adjustment process. If speech concerns persist beyond a few weeks, our team at SmileWorks will evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
What happens after the expander is removed?
After successful expansion, most children will need braces to fine-tune their tooth alignment and bite. The expander creates the necessary space and corrects jaw width, but braces are typically needed to position the teeth optimally within that newly created space. In some cases, a retainer may be used temporarily to maintain the expansion while we wait for all permanent teeth to erupt. At SmileWorks, our comprehensive approach means we coordinate seamlessly between the expansion phase and any follow-up orthodontic treatment. We’ll discuss the complete treatment timeline during your initial consultation so you understand the entire process from start to finish.
How much does orthodontic expander treatment cost in NYC?
The cost of orthodontic expander treatment in Manhattan typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the complexity of your child’s case and the type of expander needed. Many orthodontic insurance plans cover a portion of expansion therapy when it’s deemed medically necessary. At SmileWorks, we accept all PPO insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf to maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment plans and accept FSA/HSA funds to make treatment affordable for Manhattan families. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing and help you understand all your financial options for your child’s orthodontic care.