Palatal Expansion Frisco, TX

Frisco, TX

Sometimes, children develop a narrow upper jaw. Unfortunately, narrowed jaws can lead to dental problems down the road. Children may develop crowded, crooked, or impacted teeth. They might experience bite problems or tooth decay too. A palate expander may help treat or prevent these issues. Palatal expansion uses a dental appliance to widen the upper jaw gently.

Palatal expansion is available at Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco and the surrounding area. Our team can adjust the size and shape of your child’s jaw. We offer a range of orthodontic services, including braces and permanent appliances. Call us at (214) 383-0954 to learn more.

Palate Expansion and Oral Health

A child’s upper jaw develops as two separate halves. During puberty, these halves fuse — making it important to visit an orthodontist during childhood. Younger patients can receive noninvasive treatments for their jaw problems. But if parents wait too long, surgery may be the only option.

During an orthodontic assessment, the team measures the child’s jaws. Sometimes, the orthodontist may decide that the upper jaw is too narrow. A narrow upper jaw can lead to bite problems and crowding. Without treatment, the child’s permanent teeth may become crooked. In some cases, the child may need an extraction.

Palate expanders can help a child avoid dental problems in adulthood. Expanders gently widen the upper jaw, creating more room for adult teeth. A wider jaw may repair some bite problems. It can also broaden a child’s smile. Expanders may shorten orthodontic treatment time or eliminate the need for further orthodontics.

How Work

How Expanders Work

Expanders are custom-made to fit along the roof of the child’s mouth. These appliances might be removable, or they might be fixed in place. Fixed appliances are glued to the back teeth, but removable expanders work like a retainer. Children can take their expander out to eat, brush or floss. Afterward, they put their expander back in place.

Each expander is equipped with a center screw. Once the expander is fixed in place, patients receive a key. Each day, patients turn the screw to widen the expander. The expander pushes against the jawbones and widens the child’s upper jaw. As the child reaches puberty, the bone fuses and solidifies into the correct shape.

Get A FREE Consultation

Request An Appointment

Receiving a Palate Expander

If a child needs an expander, the team begins by taking an impression. They discuss what type of expander the child will need. The orthodontist may also discuss other treatments, like braces.

Often, the team uses an expander to prepare the patient for braces. An expander may shorten the amount of time the child spends in braces. But if the child has only mild bite problems or crowding, an expander may resolve the issue. Braces might not be necessary for all patients. The orthodontist can explain whether the child will need further care.

After taking impressions of the child’s mouth, a dental lab creates the expander. The team fits the appliance and explains how to make adjustments at home. In most cases, the patient will need to adjust their expander several times a week. Young children may need help with this process. Parents can oversee the process of daily expander adjustments.

Types

Types of Expanders

Removable palate expanders are a popular option. Many families prepare to take the appliance out for eating and cleaning. But removable expanders may not be the right choice for some patients. Removable appliances work well for patients who need small adjustments. If a child’s jaw needs significant changes, a fixed appliance may be better.

Several types of fixed appliances are available. Each appliance works in a similar way. First, the expander is attached to the back molars. Parents or patients make regular adjustments with a key. The orthodontist performs regular checkups to make sure treatment is progressing as planned.

Cleaning Regimen for Expanders

After your child receives their expander, the team explains how to keep the appliance clean. Oral hygiene is essential for patients who have an expander. Plaque can build up around the appliance. Over time, plaque buildup may lead to gum disease or other dental problems. Parents should plan to supervise daily brushing and flossing.

Children with removable expanders can take it out to brush and floss. Children with fixed appliances can brush and floss around the expander. Sometimes, it can be tricky to keep a fixed appliance clean. A mouth wash can help sweep away debris from hard-to-reach areas.

Patients should avoid chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Cut up foods like apples and carrots into small pieces. Avoid sticky foods like taffy or caramel. Sticky foods can damage the appliance or get stuck in small crevices.

Call Us Today

Palate expansion help ensures that your child’s jaw develops into the proper shape. These appliances can reduce crowding and shift teeth into the correct position. Additionally, an expander may also fix bite problems and speech difficulties. Our orthodontic team can help you choose an expander that meets your child’s needs.

If you are ready to discuss palatal expansion for your child, let Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco help. Call us at 214-383-0954 to learn more about our services.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

After palate expansion, your child may need braces or other appliances. Patients who receive an expander may enjoy a shorter treatment time. Expanders can reduce the amount of time a child needs to spend in braces. Our team can explain the next step in treatment.

During a checkup, the orthodontist looks for signs of crowding or impacted teeth. They also check the patient’s bite and jaw alignment. If the orthodontist spots a problem, they may recommend an expander. Our team can provide more details about your child’s prognosis and treatment options.

Treatment times can vary. Most children wear their expander for up to six months. Occasionally, the orthodontist may recommend keeping the appliance in place for up to a year. Parents and patients are often eager to finish palate expansions. But early removal may cause a relapse. It is important to follow up with the orthodontist’s prescribed treatment plan.

Palate expansion is a good option for many young patients. But other treatments may also help widen your child’s jaw. Some children might be eligible for braces, retainers, or headgear. If your child’s jawbone has already fused, a palate expander will not work well. They might need braces, clear aligners, or jaw surgery. The team can help you review your options.

Palate expansion treatment provides optimal results when used at a young age. Around age 14-16, the upper jaw fuses. Palate expanders do not work well on older patients. Most children receive their expander around age 7-8. Our orthodontic team can let you know when your child is ready for treatment.

Quality Orthodontic Services Can Transform Smiles

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.

LEARN MORE >

Definition

Definition of Orthodontic Terminology

Active Appliance

Orthodontic appliances that apply force to change the position of teeth.

Fixed Palatal Expander

A fixed palatal expander remains fixed in the mouth and is suitable for patients who need more complex adjustments.

Medical Device

A medical device is a broad term meaning any tool, implement, machine, implant or accessory used for diagnosis, treatment or alteration in humans or animals for medical purposes.

Occlusion

Occlusion is the way the teeth meet when the upper and lower jaw come together.

Orthodontic Appliance

Orthodontic appliances have multiple forms that can help treat malocclusions, irregularity with the teeth, and disproportionate jaw issues.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that deals with preventing and correcting teeth and jaw irregularities.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who is specially qualified to diagnose, prevent, and treat any irregularities of the teeth and jaw.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are devices that gradually widen the upper jaw to create more space in a child’s mouth.

Removable Palatal Expander

A removable palatal expander can be removed for eating and cleaning and is suitable for patients who need minor adjustments.

Tooth Alignment

Tooth alignment refers to how closely or widely spread apart the teeth are from each other.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2021

About our business, license, and website security

Price Family Orthodontics was established in 2011.
We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
We serve patients from the following counties: Collin County
We serve patients from the following cities: Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Fairview and Princeton
TX (License #25136). View License Information and Specifics
National Provider Identifier Database (1790852382). View NPI Registry Information
Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
Norton Safe Web. View Details
Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details

Testimonials

Trusted Orthodontic Patient Reviews

Read All Reviews

I have recently completed my orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brandon Price and his team at Price Family Orthodontics, and I could not be happier with the results! This was my second time around with braces (after a problem with my retainers resulted in my teeth shifting back), and from my first visit to the office, I could tell this was going to be a very different experience. In other offices where I had consultations, I felt I was viewed as nothing more than a pile of dollars. Dr. Price, however, made me feel my treatment and satisfaction were going to be as important to him as they were to me.

Having been a middle school teacher for the past 15 years, I am constantly around students wearing braces. A conversation with one of those students convinced me that I should take the plunge and get myself some ‘real’ braces, since I wore Invisalign the first time. I have seen many different approaches for interacting with children during my time as an educator, some being more effective than others. A relatable style for working with kids is a special gift, and I truly believe it could be said that you either ‘have it’ or you don’t…

On many occasions, I’ve sat in the chair next to kids as Dr. Price worked, and I’ve always been impressed with the rapport he has with them. To some people, this might seem trivial compared to the quality of the orthodontic work itself, but as a father, I know I only want professionals working with my daughter who are focused on her comfort as well as treatment. Dr. Price is himself a family man, and it definitely shows in his rapport with young people!

An accident in my childhood had left me with one top central incisor that was noticeably shorter than the other, and it had always been something that made me feel self-conscious. As we neared the end of my treatment, Dr. Price gave me the option of polishing my teeth so they would match. I was AMAZED with the results! He is an absolute artist with his tools, and the results exceeded my expectations! In short, I highly recommend Price Family Orthodontics in Frisco just off 121 on Independence (near both McKinney and Plano). The amount of personal attention, combined with skilled professionalism that you or your child will receive, are of the highest caliber. I have received many compliments on my new smile, and I’m so happy I did it!

Price Family Orthodontics is AMAZING. They deserve more than a 5 star rating! I have truly enjoyed Dr. Price, his wife Amy and his entire staff for their superb patient care and making me feel right at home in their lovely office. Dr. Price is very knowledgeable and highly skilled utilizing state of the art technology throughout my treatment. His quality of work is incredible. I got my ceramic braces off ahead of schedule! Plus had some laser contouring done for the perfect finishing touch. I am extremely HAPPY with my results and highly recommend Dr. Price and Price Family Orthodontics.

When we moved here, one of our kids already had braces. We shopped around and found that Dr Price not only had the best prices, but he was clearly the most open to working with us even when she had a different kind of braces than he typically uses. He did an amazing job and my daughters smile is beautiful! The office was always able to schedule withing a reasonable amount of time and the staff is so kind, I consider them all friends! Since then, both myself and my husband have had Dr Price improve our smiles! Of course we are thrilled with the outcome! He is very knowledgeable and makes sure he does the best job possible. He also prioritizes your concerns and desires as a patient! Definitely the best ortho!

The most incredible staff! Everyone made my daughter feel completely at ease and comfortable. My child is actually excited about getting braces after having such a wonderful experience.

My sister and I have both been going to Price Family Orthodontics for over a year! I feel like I have made a new family here—I always feel so welcome, and they always want to know what I am up to! The process of getting braces is never fun, but Price Family is definitely the best at making it a smooth process! I just finished my final retainer check and will miss coming here, but I will still stop by and visit just because everyone is so awesome!

My son was in braces two years and my daughter is currently a patient with Dr. Price. Dr. Price has a great bedside manner. He was very patient with my 13-year-old son, as he lost brackets and was generally an un-ideal patient! I appreciated his mercy and sympathy. I found his pricing very reasonable. He is very professional and knowledgeable.

We have been seeing Dr. Price for the last two years, first for my daughter and now my son. He and his staff are so friendly with my kids, and he really cares about their treatment. I trust that he won’t do any unnecessary treatment, and wants to do what is best for the individual. I highly recommend him for any orthodontic treatment.

Two of my children are currently receiving orthodontic treatment from Dr. Price. The visits are efficient and we have never had a long wait. Dr. Price and his staff are warm and friendly and willing to take whatever time is necessary to answer questions and address my concerns. I know that Dr. Price will only recommend treatment he feels is necessary and helpful for the long-term benefit of the patient. From my kids’ perspective, Dr. Price and his assistant Ginger genuinely care about them and how they are doing. My kids also LOVE his unique incentive program that rewards them for good dental hygiene and for setting and achieving goals in their life. I don’t have to push them to do what is needed because they are motivated by his reward system. We have been very happy with Price Family Orthodontics.

I take both my children to Dr. Price after going to see another orthodontist in the local area for a consultation. What impressed me right up front was that he wasn’t going to rush and place braces on my daughter when it wasn’t the most opportune treatment time for her versus just putting braces on her for a quick sale. If you are considering treatment, I would recommend visiting Dr. Price first! He does offer in-house financing and payments can be made monthly for parents who are wondering how to budget treatment.

We love Price Family Ortho for so many reasons! Dr. Price gives thorough, detailed treatment and has excellent training in his field. He really cares about his patients, plus never treats you like a number. Dr. Price is fabulous at explaining treatment options to both adults and kids. He makes everyone feel valued and listens to your concerns. Dr. Price is true to his motto ‘live life smiling.’ I highly recommend Dr. Price to anyone needing good orthodontic treatment. My kids love going to their office for the rewards program and being part of the team to make their teeth healthy. The staff involves the kids in being responsible for their treatment. I love what my kids learn there. And I love that I don’t have to nag them to take care of their teeth now.

Dr. Price is a man of great integrity. You would never have to worry with him that he is recommending a treatment primarily for his financial gain. He has state-of-the-art equipment and is extremely knowledgeable in the field. He and his staff are very warm, friendly, and easy to feel comfortable around.

Dr. Price is thorough and passionate about providing the best orthodontics for each individual. We have three family members in braces (soon to be four) with Price Family Orthodontics, and are fully confident about their future smiles. The office staff is also the BEST. Thank you PFO!!!

Frisco, TX

Palatal Expansion