Can you be too old for a palate expander?
Ideal Age for Treatment The upper jaw expansion is most successful when it is performed in patients under the age of 16. Crossbite expansion should be treated as soon as possible. Adults who have crossbites may only require dental expansion.
Do palatal expanders work on adults?
Palatal expanders do not work as well for adults when compared to children or adolescents. This is because the sutures surrounding the upper jaw (maxilla) fuses and calcifies as a child grows older. Once the sutures are fused and completely calcified, the upper jaw can no longer be expanded.
Can you get a palate expander at 25?
Surgically-Assisted Palatal Expansion Once a person reaches full maturity (puberty), they typically have a fully developed jaw. Although, some jaws do not fully mature until age 21 to 25. If this is the case, an orthodontist must surgically insert an expander into the mid-palatal suture (palate bone).
Is there an alternative to a palate expander?
A more effective, simpler, and less costly alternative than a palatal expander is to use an appliance called a space maintainer. Interestingly, baby molars are larger in size than the permanent premolars that replace them. A space maintainers holds the extra space that is left when the baby teeth fall out.
Can I get a palate expander at 21?
Can braces widen palate?
There are ways to widen the upper dental arch without using an expander, but often a cemented palatal expander is the best solution. Sometimes the upper posterior teeth are tipped inward and the arch wires in braces can tip them outward, which will make the upper jaw wider without the need for an expander.
What is the best age to get a palatal expander?
A palate expander works by gently pushing the teeth away from each other, reducing crowding and helping bring the bite into proper alignment. What is the best age to get a palatal expander? The best age to get a palatal expander is widely considered to be between 5 and 16 years old.
What can I eat with a palate expander?
Choices can include yogurt, healthy shakes, ice cream, mashed vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or yams, or mashed bananas, soup, etc. 2. Take small bites and chew gently. Remember, the palate expander is literally separating the two halves of the upper jaw, exerting pressure on the bones of your lower face.
How to live with a palate expander?
Be Patient. Expanders are used to widen the upper maxillary arch (the upper jawbone).
What does a palate expander really do?
Types of Appliances and How They Work Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) The rapid palatal expander can correct narrow palates, crowding, and crossbites. Removable Palatal Expander. An orthodontist typically indicates a removable expander when a patient only needs minor jaw widening. Implant-Supported Expansion. Surgically Assisted Palatal Expansion.