What Are Rapid Palatal Expanders and When Are They Used?
By Chris Getman | Published on December 27, 2010 | 0 Comments
Rapid palatal expanders are a tool that orthodontists can use to increase the size of their patients’ upper jaws. According to Getman Orthodontics‘ Dr. Chris Getman, an orthodontist in Cordova, TN, rapid palatal expanders are most commonly used when a child has an upper jaw that is narrower than his lower jaw.
Dr. Getman says that orthodontists see these types of issues most commonly in pediatric patients who have allergies. Although the reasons behind why children with allergies are more likely to have narrow upper jaws than those without is not completely understood, Dr. Getman says it most likely has to do with the fact that allergy sufferers are often forced to breathe through their mouths. This, in turn, leads to the underdevelopment of the upper jaw.
Rapid palatal expanders have a long history, and Dr. Getman explains that it is not at all uncommon for an orthodontist to recommend that a pediatric patient get a rapid palatal expander as a way to widen his upper jaw. Although the American Associations of Orthodontists recommends that all children get screened for these issues at age 7, Dr. Getman prefers to focus more on making sure that his patients are healthy rather than trying to achieve perfection at such a young age.
Dr. Getman explains that he prefers to focus his early childhood examinations on overall dental maturity and growth issues. He does recommend that parents bring their children in for an examination with an orthodontist beginning at around age 7 so that they can be screened for a handful of things that could be harming their teeth or gums.
The reason why so many orthodontists recommend beginning treatment with rapid palatal expanders at a young age is because expansion treatments in general are easier before patients have finished growing. Although kids can be treated with rapid palatal expanders and headgear throughout their pre-pubescent years, Dr. Getman has an easier time with compliance when treating 7, 8, and 9-year-old patients. By the time a patient is 11 or 12, it may be difficult to get him to wear headgear.
As an orthodontist in Cordova, TN, Dr. Getman has had to learn to pick his poison, so to speak. Although patients who are in their pre-teens may be the ideal age to wear rapid palatal expanders or headgear, many orthodontists prefer working with younger children who are more likely to remain compliant with wearing the devices. There are few times when orthodontists are able to make actual changes happen in patients’ bones, not just their teeth, and rapid palatal expanders and headgear are two of those times, says Dr. Getman.
Finally, although rapid palatal expanders are quite common these days, Dr. Getman explains that people should not think that they are an alternative to braces. To learn more about the positive benefits of rapid palatal expanders, Dr. Getman recommends contacting an orthodontist and scheduling a consultation.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.