Invisalign Palatal Expander
Expand the upper jaw of your child to improve oral and physical health and well-being. Suitable for young patients who require a wider jaw before orthodontic treatment like Invisalign First, Angel Aligner KiD or traditional braces.
Best for children below the age of 12 who are at high-risk of dental crowding and oral health problems because of a narrow palate.
Invisalign Palatal Expander Explained
Invisalign Palatal Expanders or IPE are a removable orthodontic device that is used to correct and expand narrow upper jaws on children below the age of 12 or up to the age of 14 years old.
The IPE is a modern alternative to traditional fixed palatal expanders that require a screw to widen the palate every day.
The IPE works through a series of removable IPE sets that are changed daily or as prescribed by the dentist or orthodontist.
Each IPE set uses gentle and constant force to widen the upper palate to the desired position. Most IPE treatments take about 6 to 12 months to complete before proceeding to orthodontic treatment using braces or Invisalign First clear aligners.
While there is some debate on whether it is entirely necessary for interventional orthodontic treatment, there are advantages to taking up IPE treatment for your child.
IPE helps with correcting a narrow palate which is usually the cause for further orthodontic problems like dental crowding, overbite, underbite, overjet (buck teeth), spaces between teeth, crossbite, and open bite. All these orthodontic conditions can eventually lead to potential oral and physical health conditions.
Benefits of Invisalign Palatal Expander
There are many advantages to taking up Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment for your child.
Some of the immediate benefits include:
Easy to use for your child
The Invisalign Palatal Expander was made to be child-friendly. Your child will be able to switch out the IPE on their own without any help from you.
Personalised entirely for your child
The Invisalign Palatal Expander is digitally printed and custom-made to the needs and anatomy of your child.
Comfortable to wear
Because of the custom-fit, the Invisalign Palatal Expander is comfortable to wear for prolonged durations of time. It does not create abrasions on your child unlike traditional palatal expanders.
Improved oral health and hygiene
The Invisalign Palatal Expander does not have any wires or metal in the way. To brush or floss, your child is able to pop out the IPE to maintain their oral health and hygiene as per normal.
Does not change the lifestyle and dietary habits of your child
Because of its removable characteristic, your child can retain their original lifestyle and dietary habits even after taking up Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment.
Removable and washable
There is no need to clean between the orthodontic device after each meal. Simply remove the Invisalign Palatal Expander and wash gently at the end of each day.
Invisalign Palatal Expander Treatment Journey at kohe™ Dental
When you take up Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment at kohe™ Dental, you can expect complete cost and treatment transparency with no bill shocks.
Our treatment coordinators have been trained to ensure that you are aware of all our dental treatment costs before you enter the dental clinic. Our unique clinic model has allowed us to be able to adopt a competitive pricing structure for Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment. The reduced costs from operations are passed on as cost savings to patients like yourself.
kohe™ Dental is a remote-first dental clinic. This ensures that your dental visits are reduced by more than 40%. Besides our dentists, we use AI-powered technology to monitor your dental alignment progression and ensure that you are right on track to a brand new smile.
Our remote-first policy also enables us to see patients of all ages in countries outside of Singapore who are looking for more affordable teeth straightening treatments. We work with patients from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and the UAE.
Here is what you can expect when you visit kohe™ Dental for Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment:
Pre-Assessment
When you contact kohe™ Dental, you have an option to book an appointment or conduct a pre-assessment for your child with us virtually.
The pre-assessment is done virtually with our Head Dentist who will assess the suitability of your child for Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment.
Should you be suitable for IPE treatment, our Head Dentist will also inform you of the cost of treatment, as well as the tentative treatment duration.
You will also be given options for possible payment plans.
Initial Consultation (1st Visit)
If you have decided to proceed with your appointment with kohe™ Dental, your first visit will involve a dental consultation with our dentist.
If necessary for your child, X-rays (OPG) will be taken along with 3D Scans. Do let us know if you are uncomfortable allowing your child to take X-rays. We will accommodate your requests.
The oral health condition of your child will be explained to you in detail along with the treatment options that are recommended.
Should you decide on the same day that you wish to proceed with Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment, our dentist will conduct a 3D intraoral scan of the mouth and teeth of your child.
The 3D scan forms the basis of the smile journey and helps the dentist treatment plan for the new smile of your child.
The confirmed total amount for treatment will also be explained clearly to you.
Your first payment deposit of $500 will be made on the same day.
Treatment Planning
You will be notified of your treatment planning session and sent a virtual link to access your 3D treatment plan.
During the treatment planning session, our dentist will explain the progression of the palate expansion and treatment of your child to you.
Should you approve the treatment plan, a payment link will be sent to you to commence production of your Invisalign Palatal Expander.
The second payment of $1,000 will be used to pay for your Invisalign Palatal Expander.
Attachments (2nd Visit)
An appointment will be made to place attachments on your child’s teeth to prepare your child for Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment.
Invisalign Palatal Expander Fitting (2nd Visit)
You will be notified to come for your Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) fitting.
An appointment will be made to place attachments to prep you for your Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment.
These attachments facilitate tooth movements and guide your teeth to the right positions with time.
The remainder of the payment can be made as a one-time payment or in instalments.
Invisalign Palatal Expander Treatment Duration
Most Invisalign palatal expander treatments range from 6 to 12 months before progressing to the next stage of treatment.
The total treatment duration for Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) will vary based on how narrow the palate of your child is as well as how much space is required. It will also depend on how consistent your child is in putting on their IPE.
Invisalign Palatal Expander in Singapore
Invisalign Palatal Expander costs about $1,900 to $2,500 with kohe™ Dental.
If your child has also been indicated to require Invisalign First post-IPE, the total package cost will be $5,500 NETT.
The cost range does not usually include other fees such as consultation, X-rays (OPG), 3D scans, or treatment planning. This will be included in the consultation fee of $19.60.
Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) | $1,900 - $2,500 |
Invisalign First | $4,900 - $5,500 |
Financing Invisalign Palatal Expander
If you are thinking of heading to kohe™ Dental for Invisalign First treatment for your child, there are a few ways you can finance your invisible braces treatment.
Catch22™
A payment plan that allows you to get orthodontic and healthcare treatment seamlessly without worrying about your finances. Your payment on your schedule. Subject to approval.
All Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks. Get up to 12 months interest-free instalments.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome to help reduce the upfront expenditure of your dental treatments.
Dental and Corporate Insurance
We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible orthodontic (clear aligner) dental care to you.
Why Should I Do Invisalign Palatal Expander at kohe™ Dental?
kohe™ Dental is the first dedicated clear aligner dental clinic in Singapore that focuses on the use of a varying range of invisible braces or clear aligner brands in orthodontic treatment.
While all clear aligner brands might look the same, they have different properties and unique features that make them suitable for different patients. This is especially so for growing children.
kohe™ Dental tweaks our clear aligner treatments based on the aesthetic and functional needs of your child. We do not sell clear aligner brands. We work with the smile outcomes that you want your child to achieve.
kohe™ Dental also prioritises the natural teeth of your child. We make it a point not to extract any teeth when we do Invisalign First treatment for your child.
Our approach considers other factors such as oral posture and habits. Based on these factors, we incorporate myofunctional exercises for proper oral habits (e.g. nasal breathing and tongue posture).
24/7 Treatment Coordinator Support
Our treatment coordinator supports you throughout your entire journey – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have a question about the current treatment plan of your child? Is your child experiencing discomfort?
Our treatment coordinators got your back.
Remote Monitoring Powered by AI
We monitor our dental cases remotely with Scanbox by Dental Monitoring or Invisalign to ensure that your teeth are shifting on timeline and according to the treatment plan.
Remote monitoring also reduces the number of on-site dental visits you need to have with your child.
Experienced Invisalign Providers
Our dentists are experienced Invisalign providers with more than 10 years of experience in delivering simple to complex orthodontic treatments.
They are also certified Invisalign providers who work with growing children and young adults to improve their smiles.
Customised Invisalign Palatal Expander Casing
Your smile is unique and your treatment casing can be too!
Customise your Invisalign Palatal Expander casing with your favourite motifs, change your casing material or engrave your name onto your casing.
Only eligible for upfront payment.
Set of Retainers Post-Treatment
Receive a complimentary set of lab-made retainers once your clear aligner treatment has been completed (only eligible for upfront payment and patients who have completed clear aligner treatment).
The lab-made retainers help to retain your new smile and prevent a relapse.
Myofunctional Therapy for Better Results
We do not just fix the teeth of your child with Invisalign.
Part of what we do includes factoring oral habits and postures.
We use myofunctional therapy to address underlying issues to help ensure better and longer-lasting results.
Invisalign Palatal Expander: Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE).
How do I know whether my child qualifies for Invisalign Palatal Expander?
Your child is suitable for Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment if they meet the following criteria:
- Has a narrow upper arch that needs expansion;
- Is below 11 years of age;
- Has mixed dentition (a combination of baby and adult teeth);
- Has the possibility of developing further orthodontic conditions if the upper arch is not expanded.
If you would like to ask further questions about the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) before booking in a consultation with a dentist, you can ask for a smile consultation (online) or read further information on what to expect with the IPE.
What is the best age for my child to start Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment?
The best age for your child to seek Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment is before they have fully developed their upper palate. The IPE is most effective at a young age – between the ages of 7 and 11 years old – when the palate has not fully formed.
When the palate is undeveloped, it is possible to use the IPE to expand the upper jaw of your child. This creates the necessary space needed for teeth to grow properly. Creating the space for teeth to grow out properly can help prevent orthodontic conditions such as overcrowding of teeth.
If you are considering or have been recommended the IPE for your child, the best thing to do is to start as soon as possible. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent bigger and costlier treatments in the future.
How do I know whether my child needs early orthodontic intervention?
Your child probably needs early orthodontic intervention if they have the following habits or orthodontic characteristics:
- Dental crowding (overcrowded teeth)
- Crooked teeth
- Anterior and/or posterior crossbite
- Open bite
- Protrusion of upper jaw
- Gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Concave appearance with a prominent jaw
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Clicking or shifting jaw or jaw misalignment
- Obvious speech difficulties
- Thumbsucking past the age of 5
- Mouth breathing or snoring
If you would like to have a dentist opinion before proceeding for an in-person consultation, you can ask for a smile consultation (online).
Is Invisalign Palatal Expander safe for my child?
Yes, Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) is safe for your child. The orthodontic device has been tested for use on children and is as safe and effective as traditional palatal expanders.
What dental issues can Invisalign Palatal Expander correct?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) expands the upper jaw of your children to prevent problems or the development of orthodontic problems such as the following:
- Dental crowding (overcrowded teeth);
- Crooked teeth;
- Anterior and/or posterior crossbite;
- Open bite;
- Protrusion of upper jaw;
- Gaps between teeth (diastema);
- Class 3 orthodontic problems.
Just like traditional palatal expanders, the IPE is often used to
- Expand narrow upper jaws;
- Prevent potential oral or jaw surgery for children;
- Alleviate airway obstruction that can cause snoring or breathing difficulties;
- Prevent teeth impaction;
- Correct crossbites;
- Prevent facial asymmetry caused by uneven chewing and biting.
Will Invisalign Palatal Expander be uncomfortable or painful for my child?
No the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) has been built to be more comfortable than traditional oral appliances like the traditional palatal expander. The entire experience should not cause discomfort or pain to your child.
Instead of using a metal appliance that is fitted into the roof of the mouth of your child with screws, the IPE is a removable orthodontic device that can be easily removed and replaced by your child. The IPE was made to be child-friendly.
What is the difference between taking up Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment and going straight to Invisalign First?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment works to expand the upper jaw of your child, while Invisalign First corrects orthodontic misalignment problems.
The IPE creates the necessary space needed for your child to have healthy teeth growth, while Invisalign First gently pushes the teeth into the desired positions for better smile and bite.
If your child has sufficient upper jaw space, it is possible to proceed directly to Invisalign First to correct teeth alignment.
If you are unsure whether your child requires the IPE before Invisalign First, you can ask for a smile consultation (online) before proceeding with an actual consultation at the clinic.
How long will my child need to wear Invisalign Palatal Expander daily?
Your child will need to wear the Invisalign Palatal Expander at least 22 hours a day for treatment to be effective. The IPE works to gradually and gently push the palate of your child to expand it. Without sufficient wear time, the IPE will not be able to expand the palate.
How often does my child need to change their Invisalign Palatal Expander?
Most children who have just started and are going through Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment change switch out their expander trays everyday for 30 days. This is because the trays gradually expand the palate with every single tray used.
Once the desired expansion has been achieved, IPE patients will then replace their trays every 2 to 4 weeks to stabilise the palate.
However, if your dentist or orthodontist has advised differently, please follow the instructions given. Every single child is different and has varying orthodontic needs and treatment requirements.
When will my child start seeing results from their Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) treatment?
Every patient is unique. In some cases, you and your child may begin seeing results from the Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment within a span of 2 weeks. However, in more complex cases, you may only start seeing results after your child has done 3 months of continuous wearing.
Every single child has different orthodontic needs and requirements. The IPE treatment is an individualised treatment that has been tailored to the needs of your child. While the timelines for treatment results may vary, you can be sure that with consistent wear, the IPE is able to deliver the results for your child that you are looking for.
How often do I need to bring my child to see the dentist when they use Invisalign Palatal Expander?
If your child is using the Invisalign Palatal Expander, you might be asked to visit the dentist every 4 – 6 weeks for reviews and follow-ups. The frequency will vary based on the needs and requirements of your child, as well as what your dentist or orthodontist has advised.
If your schedule is busy and unable to accommodate frequent dental clinic visits, it is possible to ask for a remote review and follow-up with Invisalign Virtual Care AI instead of an in-clinic one.
Is Invisalign Palatal Expander worth it?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander is worth it if you:
- Have been advised by your dentist or orthodontist that your child might require palatal expansion to improve orthodontic and oral health;
- Want an affordable and effective way of correcting potential orthodontic and oral health problems that your child might face in the future;
- Want a fuss-free and removable solution to traditional palatal expanders.
Traditional palatal expanders vs Invisalign Palatal Expanders (IPE): Which is better for my child?
Both the traditional palatal expanders and the Invisalign palatal expanders fulfil the same function and purpose – to expand the upper palate of your child for better orthodontic and oral health. The key difference is the way that it is being done.
The traditional palatal expanders are fixed. This means that you are not able to remove the palatal expanders until treatment is completed. You would also have to turn a screw with a key every day to expand the palate. This option is slightly less child-friendly as it is possible that you might need to be involved in assisting them with the daily key-turning.
The IPE on the other hand is removable. The IPE is switched out every day then weekly to expand the palate. There is no screw to turn. However, strict wearing compliance is needed to ensure treatment success.
The better solution for your child should be based on which orthodontic device you believe would work the best for your child based on their compliance levels and your involvement in their treatment.
What happens after my child is done with Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE)?
Once your child is done with Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE), your dentist or orthodontist will guide you to the next step of the orthodontic journey of your child. This might mean taking up braces or clear aligners like Invisalign First, Angel Aligner KiD or OneSmile Kid to help align the teeth of your child and correct the bite.
The choice of whether to take up braces or clear aligners is up to the individual preferences (e.g. lifestyle or budget) of your child and yourself. Both braces and clear aligners will be able to help your child achieve the same smile goal posts.