The Orthodontics Center of NYC located on the Upper East Side in Manhattan (New York) offers standard palatal expansion & rapid palatal expansion (upper jaw expansion) orthodontics for children. This pediatric orthodontic treatment widens the upper arch by parting the suture in the midline. It works very quickly and it is important that the best in class orthodontist sees your child regularly until the desired expansion is reached. The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your child’s upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made. We offer rapid palatal expansion consultations.
A major benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment in childhood is that it’s possible to take full advantage of a growing child’s own natural growth process to treat or even prevent malocclusions (“bad bites”).
One of the common dental appliances used by orthodontists on growing children with orthodontic issues is the rapid palatal expander (RPE). It is used to expand the palate and to correct the bite that either has a cross-bite, a narrow upper arch, or impacted teeth. The treatment essentially widens the upper jaw to create space for permanent teeth.
Though we have many options, the Orthodontics Center of NYC prefers to use the Schwartz Appliance® for palatal arch expansion in children. The Schwartz appliance is a removable appliance worn to expand your arches and teeth. Our best in class orthodontist believes this is the most comfortable arch expansion device on the market. Treatment time in the Schwartz Appliance is approximately 7 months but will vary based on the individual needs of the patient.
Once the desired expansion is reached the palatal expansion device is left in place for a few months. A large gap will appear between the front teeth once the suture divides. The gap will start to close spontaneously and can be completely closed with fixed appliances later on in treatment.
If indicated by your orthodontist, expanding your child’s upper jaw has many benefits:
- It can broaden the smile in an aesthetically pleasing way
- It can limit the number of teeth that need to be removed to create space
- Improve airway function / improve breathing
- Shorten overall orthodontic treatment time (the amount of time your child will need to wear braces)
The Orthodontics Center of NYC specializes in taking exceptional care of each orthodontic patient. The honor and privilege of caring for our patients come with the responsibility and dedication from our best in class orthodontists and our staff to adhere to the utmost standards of excellence in orthodontic patient care. As top-rated, best in class orthodontists, we provide highly personalized and comprehensive care. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an orthodontic consultation please feel free to contact our Upper East Side (Manhattan, NY) orthodontic practice for a palatal expansion consultation for your child:
Orthodontics Center of NYC
635 Madison Ave, 19th FL, #B
New York, NY 10022
(646) 491-7133
