Your palate expander should be able to expand your palate, correct the shape of your teeth, and offer enough stability to allow you to eat normally. These are not easy characteristics to fulfill all at once, which is why most adult palate expanders don’t work as well as they should. Here’s a guide on how to find the perfect palate expander for adults so that you can enjoy healthy eating without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.
What is a palate expander?
The palate expander is a dental device used for orthodontic treatment of an underbite. This device pushes against your upper teeth, increasing your overbite and improving your jaw alignment. These devices are not very noticeable; in fact, you can easily wear them with braces or even on their own. Also known as invisible braces or expanding archwires, these devices are made of high-quality stainless steel that won’t cause any kind of allergic reaction.
How do palatal expanders work?
Simply put, a palate expander is a plastic device that you place in your mouth. There are many different kinds of expanders, but in general they all fit over your upper teeth and gently force them apart (expand) as you wear them. How much they expand will vary depending on your specific device, but typically they’ll add about half an inch per month while you wear them. This doesn’t seem like much, but believe me when I say it makes a difference!
What are some benefits of using palatal expanders?
One of their biggest benefits is that they’re removable, meaning you can easily take them out and eat. This is great for people who aren’t used to having something in their mouth all day. Additionally, some expanders are made with a special material called polyvinyl siloxane (PVS), which makes it easier to bite down on food. These expanders are also clear, so they won’t show when you smile or talk! And finally, adult palatal expanders are often customized based on your needs—this means you don’t have to settle for an uncomfortable fit if one size doesn’t fit all. If your teeth are very close together but not overlapping enough for traditional underbite braces, a palate expander might be right for you!
What happens if you use them incorrectly?
Adult palate expanders are generally disposable, meaning they will have a limited shelf life. It’s also important that you don’t use them for too long – if you do, you run the risk of permanent teeth issues or jaw deformities. If your palate expander doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t being used correctly, it can cause jaw pain and tooth loss. Talk to your dentist about getting a new one as soon as possible.
What types of palatal expanders are there?
There are two main types of palatal expanders for adults that your orthodontist will discuss with you. The older type is made from nickel-titanium wire and attaches around both jaws. Your dentist may recommend one of these if you have an underbite, meaning that your lower jaw hangs too far forward over your upper teeth. To correct this, a palatal expander can be used; by gradually pulling both jaws apart in front of a two-week schedule set by your orthodontist, you can slowly shift things back into place.
For whom are they recommended?
Depending on how severe your condition is, palate expanders might be recommended for you. In many cases, they’re used as a first step before making orthodontic changes (adding braces or Invisalign). As they’re removable and easily fit into your mouth each day, they’re an affordable option that allows you to start working on your speech while other treatments are being put in place. If you feel like you constantly mispronounce words or have problems forming certain sounds, these devices may be right for you.
Do I need to make an appointment at my dentist’s office?
This is a good question, and there are really two parts to it. First of all, if you have jaw pain or TMJ issues, you should definitely see your dentist; but if that’s not an issue, no! You don’t necessarily need to go through your dentist in order to get braces as an adult. As long as you’re in good overall health and have a properly aligned mouth with no major gaps between your teeth (and can prove that via X-rays), any orthodontist can fit you for braces. It’s best not to go it alone here: If your teeth are wonky enough that you need adult braces (or Invisalign), odds are they won’t stay straight without regular visits from a pro.
Are there other alternatives besides palatal expanders?
The first option for adults with a mild underbite is usually a palate expander, which involves wearing a small appliance that slowly stretches out your bite over time. It’s non-invasive and cost-effective. Unfortunately, many of us don’t like wearing anything on our teeth, and any amount of clunkiness will affect how we eat and talk. Some patients report that they can’t chew or floss around their expander, which can cause food to get stuck. For these reasons, some people decide against using one at all—but you might be surprised by how easy it is if you just give it a chance!