Nashville Palatal Expanders
Gentle Treatment for
Younger Smiles
Braces By Dr. Ruth is proud to offer leading treatments for all ages, and sometimes, that includes the use of palatal expanders for our younger patients. Simple, effective, and pain-free, these tools can go a long way towards setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Who Are Palatal Expanders For?
Palatal expanders are a powerful tool for orthodontic experts to use where appropriate in the course of Phase 1 treatment, which is a method of keeping our youngest smiles happy and healthy.
Phase I, or early orthodontic treatment, focuses on guiding the growth of a child’s jaw and teeth before all permanent teeth erupt. A palatal expander is one of the most common tools used in this stage. It gently widens the upper jaw to create space, improve bite alignment, and prevent future crowding.
Why is this important? During childhood, the bones of the upper jaw are still developing and flexible, which makes it easier and more effective to address certain issues at this time. By taking advantage of this natural growth period, we can often reduce or even eliminate the need for more complex treatments later in life.
At Braces By Dr. Ruth, we use modern expanders designed for comfort and safety. Our team ensures every step is explained clearly to both parents and children so the experience is stress-free and positive.
Where Passion Meets Professionalism •
Why Choose a Palatal Expander?
Improves Long-Term Dental Health
By creating proper space in the upper jaw, an expander reduces crowding and helps permanent teeth erupt in the correct positions. This can minimize the chances of impacted teeth and complex extractions later on.
Prevents Bite Problems
Crossbites and other bite issues can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and speech challenges. Early correction with an expander sets the foundation for a healthy, functional bite.
Supports Facial Development
A well-formed jaw promotes oral health and supports balanced facial structure. Palatal expanders can enhance overall facial symmetry and airway health.
Makes Future Treatment Easier
Early intervention often shortens the time a child needs braces later on and may even prevent the need for jaw surgery as an adult. It’s an investment that simplifies the future.
What to Expect During Treatment
Placing a palatal expander is a quick and painless process. The device is custom-made for your child’s mouth and secured to the upper molars. Once in place, a small key is used to gently adjust the expander at home, usually once a day or as directed by Dr. Ruth.
Each turn applies gentle pressure that gradually widens the palate. Most children feel little to no discomfort, and adjustments are so subtle they often go unnoticed. The active phase typically lasts a few weeks, followed by a stabilization period to allow the jawbone to adapt to its new width.
Our team monitors progress closely with regular check-ins, ensuring your child’s treatment stays on track. We’ll also give you all the tools and instructions you need to feel confident managing adjustments at home.
Some children may also notice a small space developing between their front teeth during treatment. This is a completely normal and temporary side effect of the palate widening. The space varies from child to child—sometimes slight, sometimes more noticeable—but it’s a sign that the expander is working as intended. The gap typically closes on its own or is corrected during the next phase of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions •
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Child’s Smile Journey Today
Early treatment can make all the difference for your child’s oral health. If you’ve noticed signs of crowding, bite issues, or your dentist has recommended an evaluation, now is the perfect time to act.
Contact Braces By Dr. Ruth today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your child’s needs, answer all your questions, and design a treatment plan that prioritizes comfort, health, and long-term success.