How Long Do Palate Expanders Stay In for Kids and Adults?

Expanders typically stay in for 6 to 12 months, depending on your age, treatment plan, and how your mouth responds to the change.

If you are a child with crowded teeth or an adult preparing for braces, expanders can create the space needed for proper alignment.

But many patients and parents often ask: How long do they need to stay in?

What Is a Palate Expander and What Does It Do?

A palate expander is a small metal device that attaches to your upper molars. It slowly pushes the two halves of your upper jaw apart, allowing new bone to grow in between. This creates more space in your mouth, which helps straighten teeth and improve bite problems.

Orthodontists recommend expanders for:

Crowded teeth
Crossbites
Breathing issues
Pre-braces jaw prep

If a child’s adult teeth are coming in crooked due to lack of space, a palate expander can help avoid future extractions.

How Long Does a Palate Expander Stay In?

For Kids

In children, expanders usually stay in for 6 to 9 months.

A child’s bones are still soft and flexible, it makes it easier to reshape the jaw. Most of the expansion happens in the first few weeks, but the appliance stays in longer to let the bone stabilize in its new position.

For Adults

Adults may need to wear expanders for 9 to 12 months, or even longer in complex cases. Since adult bones are no longer growing, expansion is slower and sometimes requires surgery.

What Happens Before and After Expansion?

Before Expansion:

Before the palate expander is placed, several signs can indicate the need for jaw widening:

Crowded or Misaligned Teeth:

One of the most common reasons for getting an expander is when there’s not enough space in the upper jaw for all teeth to fit properly. This may result in overlapping, twisting, or misaligned teeth.

Narrow Smile or Uneven Bite:

A narrow upper jaw can make the smile look tight or pinched. It can also lead to a crossbite, in which the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth upon biting down. This condition can impact jaw development and chewing.

Limited Room for Braces:

When the jaw is too small, there’s not enough space to properly move the teeth with braces. In such cases, your orthodontist may suggest starting with a palate expander before applying braces.

Orthodontic Insight: Starting treatment early with an expander can help avoid future tooth extractions by naturally creating space in the jaw.

After Expansion:

Once the expander is placed and activated (usually with a small key turned daily or weekly), gradual changes begin to take shape:

The Upper Jaw Widens:

The expander carefully divides the upper jaw into its two halves. As new bone develops in the gap, the dental arch widens and provides more space for teeth.

Teeth Shift Into Better Positions:

As the jaw widens, crowded teeth start aligning more naturally. This gives your orthodontist a better foundation for placing braces later on.

Improved Breathing:

Many kids and adults experience better airflow through the nose after expansion. A narrow jaw often means a narrower nasal passage, so widening the palate can ease breathing, especially for mouth-breathers or snorers.

Temporary Gaps Between Front Teeth:

During the expansion process, a small gap may develop between the two front teeth. This is entirely normal and can even indicate that the appliance is functioning.

Is It Painful to Wear an Expander?

Expanders don’t hurt in the way braces sometimes do, but they can feel tight or pressurized, especially right after turning the key. Some people feel:

Pressure in the nose, cheeks, or behind the eyes
Mild soreness for a few minutes after adjustments
A temporary lisp while speaking

Soft foods and a little patience go a long way. Most patients adjust within a week. Your orthodontist will educate you on eating with a palate expander.

Can You Wear Braces and Expanders at the Same Time?

Yes, many orthodontists use braces and expanders together. This approach saves time and allows both tools to work efficiently. Usually, the expander is placed first, and braces follow a few weeks later.

Are There Risks Involved?

Palate expanders are safe and widely used. But there are a few things to watch for:

Difficulty cleaning around the expander (can lead to plaque buildup)
Gum irritation or mild swelling
Temporary changes in speech
Over-expansion if the key is turned too often (rare but possible)

That’s why regular checkups are important. Your orthodontist will provide guidance on the frequency of device adjustments and progress monitoring.

What is the cost of a Palate Expander?

A palate expander costs anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. This is contingent on the complexity of the treatment, your geographical area, and whether it is included in a comprehensive braces plan.

Insurance may cover part of the expenses, particularly for children.

What Happens If You Overexpand?

Overexpansion means the jaw is widened too far or too fast. This can lead to:

Excessive gaps between teeth
Bite problems
Facial asymmetry in rare cases

But don’t worry, your orthodontist controls the pace of expansion. Following their instructions ensures a safe and smooth experience.

When Do Expanders Stop Working?

Expanders are most effective before the jaw fully matures, usually before age 14. After that, the two halves of the jawbone fuse together. While expansion is still possible in adults, it often involves surgical assistance for lasting results.

Final Thoughts

Expanders play a vital role in orthodontic care, especially in early treatment for kids. They help create space, improve breathing, and set the stage for a healthy, aligned smile. The process may take a few months to finish, but the results are definitely worth it.

Thinking about getting an expander for yourself or your child?

Book your consultation with Palm Valley Orthodontics and let expert orthodontists walk you through the best treatment plan.

How Long Do Expanders Stay in and Why Does Timing Matter?