Palatal expanders are often used by dentists and orthodontists to help introduce space in the mouth by expanding the upper jaw. The Invisalign palatal expander is no different.
If you are considering palatal expanders for your child, or if your child is in the midst of treatment, this article has been written to help you understand what to expect from Invisalign palatal expanders.
What is the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
The Invisalign palatal expander is a removable orthodontic device that is used to correct narrow upper jaws.
This orthodontic device is used by dentists and orthodontists to improve the bite between upper and lower jaws, while reducing dental crowding. It works through exerting a gentle but gradual pressure between the palate to make space.
Unlike the traditional palatal expander that is made of metal and attached with screws, the Invisalign palatal expander is customised to fit the jaw of your child. Each set is designed to be removable and swapped out each day or as required by the dentist or orthodontist of your child.
What Can My Child Expect With The Invisalign Palatal Expander?
If you have been introduced to the Invisalign palatal expander by a dentist or orthodontist, you might be wondering what your child can expect if they take up treatment.
The following are a list of common things that I inform my patients when they visit me!
1. Early wearing of the expanders is optimal for successful jaw expansion
Palatal expanders are usually used for children that have not reached puberty. Starting the use of Invisalign Palatal Expanders at an early age is crucial for achieving the best results in jaw expansion. The jaw of your child is more malleable during their growing years, making it easier to guide and shape.
By beginning treatment early, we can take advantage of this natural growth period to create more space in the mouth, improve bite alignment, and potentially avoid more invasive procedures later on.
2. Your child might feel pressure behind the teeth and/or nose
The ideal age for starting treatment varies, but generally, we recommend considering palatal expansion between the ages of 7 and 14.
During this time, the suture in the roof of the mouth has not fully fused, allowing for gentler and more effective expansion. Remember, every child develops differently, so we will assess the specific needs of your child to determine the best time to start treatment.
As your child begins wearing the Invisalign Palatal Expanders, it is normal for them to experience some sensations of pressure. This feeling is often described as a gentle pushing sensation behind the teeth or in the nose area. This pressure is a sign that the expanders are working to gradually widen the upper jaw.
The sensation is typically most noticeable when the expanders are first inserted or after adjustments are made. Your child might describe it as a feeling of tightness or fullness in their upper jaw or nose.
This is completely normal and should not be painful. If your child experiences any sharp pain or severe discomfort, please contact our office immediately. The pressure usually subsides within a few days as your child gets used to the expanders.
3. Change the expanders daily or as required by the dentist or orthodontist
Following the prescribed schedule for changing the Invisalign Palatal Expanders of your child is crucial for the success of the treatment. We typically recommend changing the expanders daily, but this can vary based on the specific treatment plan of your child. Each new set of expanders applies a precise amount of force to gradually widen the upper jaw.
Consistency in changing the expanders as directed helps maintain steady progress and ensures that the treatment stays on track. If you are instructed to change them daily, try to do so at the same time each day to establish a routine.
If you ever forget to change the expanders or lose a set, do not try to catch up by skipping ahead. Instead, continue with the next set in the sequence and let us know at your next appointment.
4. Follow the instructions of the dentist or orthodontist that your child goes to
Adhering to the instructions provided by the dentist or orthodontist that your child goes to is vital for the success of the Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment.
These instructions are tailored specifically to the unique needs and treatment plan of your child. They may include guidelines on wear time, cleaning procedures, and when to switch to new expanders.
It is important to carefully follow any additional instructions, such as avoiding certain foods or activities during treatment. If you are ever unsure about any aspect of the treatment or have questions about the instructions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you and your child throughout this process. Remember, the more closely you follow these instructions, the more effective and efficient the treatment will be.
5. Your child can eat and drink with their expanders in
One of the advantages of Invisalign Palatal Expanders is that your child can eat and drink while wearing them. This feature makes the treatment more comfortable and less disruptive to the daily life of your child.
However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind to maintain the expanders and ensure effective treatment.
We recommend removing the expanders for meals and snacks whenever possible. This helps prevent food particles from getting trapped in the expanders and reduces the risk of staining.
If your child needs to eat with the expanders in, encourage them to rinse their mouth thoroughly with water afterwards. For drinks, water is always the best choice. Avoid consuming hot beverages or sugary drinks while wearing the expanders, as these can potentially warp the plastic or lead to tooth decay.
6. The diet of your child should be changed during the first few days of treatment and after each change
During the initial days of treatment and after each set change, it is advisable to modify the diet of your child slightly. This is because the pressure from the new expanders can make the teeth and jaw feel sensitive.
Opt for softer foods that require less chewing, such as soups, smoothies, yoghurt, and well-cooked pasta.
As your child adjusts to each new set of expanders, gradually reintroduce firmer foods. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could potentially damage the expanders or cause discomfort.
It is also a good idea to cut foods into smaller, more manageable pieces. This temporary diet modification helps ensure the comfort of your child and protects the expanders. Usually, any sensitivity subsides within a few days, allowing your child to return to their normal diet.
7. The palatal expander needs to be cleaned before wearing
Maintaining proper hygiene of the Invisalign Palatal Expanders is crucial for the oral health of your child as well as the effectiveness of the treatment.
Before inserting the expanders each time, ensure that your child brushes and flosses their teeth thoroughly. This prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped between the expanders and the teeth.
To clean the expanders themselves, use lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Gently brush all surfaces of the expanders, including the inside. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
It will also be best to steer clear of toothpaste when cleaning the expanders, as it can be abrasive and scratch the surface. If you notice any buildup on the expanders, you can use a denture cleaner or the cleaning crystals provided with your Invisalign treatment.
Rinse the expanders thoroughly before putting them back in the mouth of your child.
8. Your child might develop a slight lisp
It is perfectly normal for your child to develop a temporary lisp when they first start wearing Invisalign Palatal Expanders. This is because the expanders slightly alter the position of the tongue in the mouth, which can affect speech. The lisp is usually most noticeable when pronouncing S and T sounds.
If your child does start developing a lisp, rest assured that this is a normal part of the adjustment process and typically resolves on its own as your child gets used to wearing the expanders.
To help overcome the lisp more quickly, encourage your child to practise speaking, perhaps by reading aloud or singing. Most children adapt within a few days to a week.
If the lisp persists for an extended period or seems to be causing significant frustration for your child, please let us know, and we can provide additional guidance.
9. There might be some aches and soreness during treatment
It is perfectly normal for your child to experience some mild discomfort or soreness during their treatment with Invisalign Palatal Expanders.
This is particularly common when first starting treatment or after switching to a new set of expanders. The sensation is often described as a feeling of pressure or tenderness in the teeth, jaw, or roof of the mouth.
This discomfort is a sign that the expanders are working to gradually widen the upper jaw. It typically subsides within a few days as your child adjusts to each new set.
To alleviate any soreness, you can give your child over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheeks can also help. If the pain is severe or persists, please contact our dental clinic for further advice.
10. Attachments might fall off at times, but there is nothing to worry about
During the course of treatment with Invisalign Palatal Expanders, small attachments may be placed on some teeth of your child. This is to help the expanders grip and move the teeth more effectively. Occasionally, these attachments may come loose or fall off. While this can be concerning, it is usually not a serious issue.
If an attachment falls off, carefully store it and contact our dental clinic. We can often reattach it at your next appointment. In the meantime, continue using the expanders as directed.
The treatment can usually progress even with a missing attachment, though we may need to make slight adjustments to the plan. To prevent attachments from falling off, encourage your child to avoid biting into hard foods directly and to be gentle when removing their expanders.
11. Your child will need orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners after
The Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment is often the first step in a comprehensive orthodontic plan.
After successfully expanding the upper jaw, many children will need further orthodontic treatment to fully align their teeth and perfect their bite. This typically involves either traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.
The exact nature and duration of this follow-up treatment will depend on the specific needs of your child. Some children may only need a short period of alignment, while others might require more extensive treatment.
We will discuss the next steps with you as your child nears the end of their palatal expansion treatment. This continuation of care ensures that we not only create more space in the mouth but also achieve a beautifully aligned smile and proper bite function.
12. Your child will need to attend appointments with your dentist or orthodontist on time
Regular check-up appointments are a crucial part of the Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment for your child.
These visits allow us to monitor the progress of the expansion, make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and ensure that everything is proceeding as expected. Typically, these appointments are scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks, but the frequency may vary based on the specific needs of your child. I typically see most of my younger patients once every 6 weeks.
It is important to prioritise these appointments and arrive on time. Each visit builds on the progress made since the last one, so missing or delaying appointments can potentially extend the overall treatment time.
If you need to reschedule an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can find a suitable alternative time. Remember, these regular check-ups are key to achieving the best possible outcome for the smile of your child.
What Can My Child Expect After Invisalign Palatal Expander Treatment?
After completing treatment with Invisalign Palatal Expanders, your child can expect to see significant improvements in their oral structure and function.
The most noticeable change will be an expanded upper jaw, which creates more space for teeth to align properly. This expansion often results in a broader, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Your child may notice that their bite feels different. The improved alignment between the upper and lower jaws can lead to better chewing efficiency and potentially easier breathing. Some children also experience a reduction in issues like teeth grinding or clenching.
It is important to note that the full benefits of the expansion may not be immediately apparent. The bones and soft tissues need time to stabilise in their new positions. During this period, your child might be fitted with a retainer to maintain the expansion achieved.
In many cases, the palatal expansion is followed by further orthodontic treatment like braces, Invisalign First or Angel Aligner KiD to fine-tune tooth alignment.
We will also discuss the next steps in the orthodontic journey of your child, whether that involves traditional braces or clear aligners. Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the stability of the expansion and guide any subsequent treatments.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander is a relatively fuss-free orthodontic treatment that can improve the oral health of your child
Invisalign Palatal Expanders offer a modern, comfortable approach to expanding your child’s upper jaw. This treatment is most effective when started early, typically between ages 7 and 14.
While your child may experience some pressure and temporary discomfort, these sensations are normal and indicate the expanders are working. Consistency in wearing and changing the expanders as directed is crucial for success.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and following dietary guidelines during treatment is important. Your child may develop a temporary lisp, but this usually resolves quickly. Regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist are essential to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
After treatment, your child will likely see improvements in their smile, bite, and potentially breathing. However, further orthodontic treatment may be needed to fully align the teeth. Remember, the full benefits of expansion may take time to become apparent, and a retainer might be used to maintain the results. With proper care and adherence to instructions, Invisalign Palatal Expanders can effectively create a healthier, more aligned smile for your child.
Dr Amanda Koh
https://kohedental.comDr Amanda Koh is the Founder and Managing Director of kohe™ Dental. She is also known as The Invisalign Dentist.She has a special interest in helping patients achieve their ideal smile outcomes with clear aligners like Invisalign and Angel Aligner and braces.