Treatment time:
1-6 months
Suitable for:
Children and teens aged 8-16
Corrects:
Crossbites, overcrowding, malocclusions and more
Cost:
From £2900 (excluding fixed braces). Consultations £95
Key benefit:
Create much-needed space in the upper jaw
Expanders treatment fast facts
What are expanders?
Palate expanders are a reliable and highly effective choice for both growing children and teens. They are durable, discreet and custom-made, able to correct crossbites, relieve crowding and widen your jaw with excellent results.
Our specialist orthodontist works closely with you to ensure an expansion treatment that perfectly suits your needs. We ensure you receive the best type of expander for your orthodontic condition and ideal outcome. You are in safe hands!
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What types of expanders are available?
Rapid palatal expander:
This type of expander is used to widen the upper jaw. It consists of a metal framework that is attached to the upper molars using bands. The expander is activated using a special key, which is turned daily for a few weeks to rapidly widen the palate by pushing against the teeth. The expansion is usually complete within a month, although the expander may be kept in place for several months to help maintain the new position of the teeth.
Quad helix expander:
This type is used to widen the upper arch and correct crossbites. It is a wire framework that is custom-made to fit the mouth and attached to the upper molars using bands. It is essentially a spring that pushes the teeth on the upper left apart from the teeth on the upper right. Quad helix expanders are often used in conjunction with fixed braces.
Removable brace with expansion screw:
This is a type of upper removable appliance that is used to widen the arch of the teeth. It is made of acrylic and adjusted by turning a screw in the centre of the appliance. This is generally done in a much slower way than the rapid palate expander.
FAQs
The cost of palate expanders at our specialist orthodontic practice varies depending on the type used and each individual case. Our MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) palate expanders cost from £2900, with a consultation costing £95. Please talk to us for more information.
No. While it is true that expansion does increase the space available for teeth, this will not be anywhere near enough for children with severely crowded mouths. If we do want to incorporate some expansion into our treatment plan to make some additional space, this can be done at a later stage at the same time as any other needed orthodontic treatment. Doing everything in one phase is usually more cost effective and easier on the child.
There is no scientific proof to suggest that expanders will help increase the size of the airway and reduce sleep apnoea.
Some orthodontists like to correct posterior crossbites in very young children. This is particularly popular in the United States. There is, however, no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest there is any benefit to correct early as a separate course of treatment. It can be more beneficial to fix the crossbite once the child is 12 or 13 and ready to complete a full course of orthodontic treatment.
