Invisalign Palatal Expander®
Discover the Invisalign Palatal Expander for Kids
At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we are thrilled to offer the innovative Invisalign Palatal Expander® System for children aged 6 to 11. As a certified Invisalign provider, we are committed to providing this advanced treatment option to our young patients, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience.
Why Choose the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
- Enhanced Comfort: Traditional metal expanders can be uncomfortable for children. The Invisalign Palatal Expander features a screw-free design, providing a more comfortable experience.
- Proven Effectiveness: This system has been clinically tested and is proven to be both safe and effective. It delivers reliable results without the need for daily adjustments, which are often required by older devices.
- Reduced Anxiety: Orthodontists at San Marcos Kids Dentistry, who are trained in Invisalign technology, have found that this expander significantly reduces patient anxiety compared to conventional expanders.
How the Invisalign Palatal Expander Works
The Invisalign Palatal Expander uses a series of custom-fit expanders that are 3D-printed to gradually widen the palate. This innovative approach eliminates the need for manual adjustments, making the process less stressful and more comfortable for your child.
Cost and Payment Options
Investing in the Invisalign Palatal Expander is made easier with various flexible payment options, including dental insurance coverage. Please consult with our office to explore the best plan for your family’s needs.
Benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander Â
- No Daily Adjustments: Unlike traditional expanders, there is no need for daily screw-turning. The sleek and comfortable design ensures a smoother experience for both children and parents. Â
- FDA-Cleared and Effective: This is the only FDA-cleared removable palatal expander, providing effectiveness comparable to traditional expanders. Â
- Easy Maintenance: The expander is removable, allowing for easy brushing and flossing without any metal interference.
Features Designed for Kids
- Child-Friendly: Most children can manage the expander independently, and it fits comfortably without disrupting their daily routines. Â
- No Food Restrictions: Enjoy mealtimes without limitations. Your child can eat their favorite foods without worry. Â
- Fewer Emergency Visits: With no metal or wires, there are fewer chances of emergencies or unexpected orthodontic visits.
San Marcos Kids Dentistry is committed to providing the best orthodontic solutions as a certified Invisalign provider. Our dedication to advanced, patient-friendly care is exemplified by the Invisalign Palatal Expander System. Feel free to contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation to learn more about this innovative treatment!
Palatal Expanders
One significant benefit of orthodontic treatment during childhood is the ability to take advantage of a child’s natural growth to treat or even prevent malocclusions, commonly known as “bad bites.” At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we frequently use palatal expanders as part of this process.
Palatal expanders are a common tool in orthodontics. They work by gradually widening the upper jaw, which creates more space in a child’s mouth. Although there may be initial concerns about the procedure, patients generally find it easy to tolerate.
The upper jaw, also known as the maxilla, develops as two separate halves that do not fully fuse until after puberty. This gradual separation allows for the gentle stabilization of the two bones over several months.
There are three common situations that may require maxillary expansion:
- Crossbite: This occurs when a child’s upper jaw is too narrow to align properly with the lower jaw, causing the upper back teeth to bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Expanding the upper jaw can help correct this issue.
- Crowding: Even before all of a child’s permanent (adult) teeth have erupted, it may be predicted that there won’t be enough space for them. Widening the upper jaw can create the necessary room without the need for tooth extractions.
- Impacted Teeth: This situation arises when a tooth has not erupted because it is blocked by other teeth. Expanding the upper jaw can allow the impacted tooth to emerge in the correct position on its own. This is often seen with the canine teeth, which are located directly beneath the eyes.
How Expanders Work
An expander is a custom-made dental appliance designed to fit over several of the back teeth in the upper jaw. It consists of two halves connected by a central screw. To activate the device, a special key is used to turn the screw slightly each day. This action creates tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, gradually causing them to move apart. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance remains in place for an additional few months to allow new bone to form in the gap and stabilize the expansion. Generally, expanders are worn for a total of 3 to 6 months.
Effects of Expanders
After the expander is activated by turning the key, your child may feel some soreness or pressure for a few minutes. However, this discomfort is generally less intense than what is experienced when braces are tightened. Initially, your child might find that speaking and eating feel different as their tongue adjusts to the expander. It is also completely normal for a gap to appear between the front teeth, as this indicates that the expander is functioning correctly. Ultimately, the goal is for your child’s permanent teeth to be beautifully aligned with the right amount of space between them.
