Dental questions · Orthodontics
What Is a Palate Expander?
A palate expander is an orthodontic appliance that gradually widens a narrow upper jaw. Here is how it works, who it suits, what it feels like and what affects the cost.
- Widens a narrow upper jaw
- Best while children are growing
- Options for suitable adults
- Assessment first
Wondering if your child needs one?
An early orthodontic assessment at our Sandgate clinic looks at your child's teeth, bite and jaw development.
Call (07) 3269 2064 →The basics
How does a palate expander work?
In children, the upper jaw is made of two halves joined by a growth seam down the middle of the palate. An expander applies gentle, gradual pressure that widens this seam, and new bone fills in the space over the following months.
Widening a narrow upper jaw can create room for crowded teeth and help the upper and lower teeth fit together. Because the seam fuses with age, expansion is usually easiest while a child is still growing.
Who a palate expander may suit
A crossbite
Upper back teeth that sit inside the lower teeth when biting together.
A narrow upper jaw
A high, narrow palate with limited room for the adult teeth.
Crowding
Adult teeth that are coming through crowded or out of position.
As part of a wider plan
Expansion is often combined with other orthodontic treatment. Not every child with crowding needs one.
What to expect
Does a palate expander hurt?
Most children feel pressure rather than pain, mainly in the first few days and just after the expander is adjusted. Speech and eating usually feel strange for a week or so while the tongue gets used to the appliance.
A small gap may appear between the top front teeth as the jaw widens. This is a normal sign the expander is working and is usually closed later in treatment.
Call us if something feels wrong
If the appliance feels loose, breaks or causes ongoing pain, call (07) 3269 2064.
Fitting
The expander is attached to the back teeth and checked for comfort.
Active expansion
The appliance is adjusted gradually, as instructed, usually over a few weeks.
Holding phase
It then stays in place for several months while new bone fills in and the result settles.
Next steps
Some children need further orthodontic treatment later. We explain the full plan at the start.
Cost
How much does a palate expander cost?
An expander is usually one part of a wider orthodontic plan rather than a stand-alone treatment. At Dental Seasons, early orthodontic treatment is generally around $7,000, although the cost varies with what your child needs, the appliances used and how long treatment takes.
We start with an assessment and give you a written, itemised estimate before you decide. Many private health funds contribute to orthodontic treatment under extras cover.
What about adults?
The growth plate fuses with age
After the teenage years, a standard expander usually cannot separate the bones of the upper jaw.
Miniscrew-assisted expansion
For suitable adults, MARPE uses small anchors in the palate to help widen the upper jaw. Suitability is assessed with 3D CBCT imaging.
Meet your dentists
Experienced, highly qualified and genuinely kind
All of our dentists are registered with Ahpra and keep learning well beyond their degrees, so you get thoughtful, up-to-date care.
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master’s degrees in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics and in Sleep Medicine. Special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway health.
Dr Michael Au
Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Known for his gentle touch and clear explanations, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Pei San Chan
Dentist
BDS (Adelaide), GradDip Orthodontics (JCU), DipOrtho (UJI). Warm, calm care for patients of all ages, including children and orthodontics.
Book an orthodontic assessment
Find out whether a palate expander or another option suits your child. Book online or call our Sandgate team on (07) 3269 2064.