Invisalign Palatal Expander for Kids
Ever been told by a dentist or orthodontist that your child has a narrow upper jaw and might need a palatal expander?
If your child:
Has crooked teeth?
Breathe through their mouth?
Fall between 6 to 11 years old?
Has been told they have a narrow upper jaw
The Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) may help as an early intervention, preventing more serious dental issues in the future.
What is the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE)?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander is a 3D-printed, medical-grade nylon appliance designed for children with developing jaws. It is:
- Custom-made
- Free of metal and screws
- Designed to gently and gradually widen the upper jaw
- Able to address issues like crowding, crossbites, and narrow arches
These expanders are swapped out daily (or as advised by your orthodontist) until your child’s upper jaw reaches its desired position.
Invisalign Palatal Expanders vs. Traditional Expanders
There are two main types of expanders: Invisalign Palatal Expanders (IPE) and Traditional Hyrax Expanders. While both serve the same purpose, they differ in comfort, appearance, and usability.
Invisalign Palatal Expanders (IPE) are clear, removable, and custom-made from medical-grade nylon, offering a more comfortable and discreet experience for your child.
Because they’re removable, they’re easier to clean and less likely to interfere with speech. Most importantly, they don’t require manual screw-turning like traditional expanders.
The jaw expansion happens gradually by changing to a new appliance every 2 days (or as advised by your doctor) until it reaches its desired position, like how clear aligners work.
Traditional Hyrax Expander is a fixed metal appliance that is cemented onto the back molars. They feature a central screw that must be manually turned daily by a parent.
Compared to IPE, they tend to be bulkier, harder to clean, and may cause initial discomfort or speech difficulties due to their size.
However, traditional expanders may be a more suitable option for complex or severe cases requiring greater jaw expansion.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies depending on how much expansion is needed. On average, treatment can last between 1 to 4 months.
After active expansion, your orthodontist will provide a set of holders to be changed every 2 weeks and worn for 3 months to help stabilize the bone expansion achieved during treatment.
Speak With Our Orthodontist Today
To determine what is most suitable for your child based on their dental habits and development, we recommend speaking to our orthodontists for further guidance.
Benefits of Invisalign Palatal Expander
Clinically proven to be safe & effective
No food restrictions
Comfortable – no metal parts
Removable & easy to clean (leading to fewer emergency visits)
Easier to maintain oral hygiene
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Meet Our Orthodontists & Certified Invisalign Specialist Team
FAQs
How do I know if my child needs early orthodontic intervention?
Look out for these signs:
- Mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
- Crooked or overlapping front teeth
- Protruding front teeth or front teeth that don’t touch
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Jaw shifts to one side when biting
- Lisping (difficulty pronouncing “s” or “z” sounds)
Will my child feel pain during expansion?
There may be slight discomfort when switching to a new aligner, but it typically fades quickly. IPE is generally more comfortable than metal expanders, which may irritate the cheeks and palate at times.
Can my child eat while wearing the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
Yes! IPE is made from safe, medical-grade nylon and can be worn during meals.
However, for new users, we recommend starting with softer foods and smaller bites. Since it’s removable, even sticky foods won’t be a hassle – it can be easily taken out and cleaned.
How do I remove the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
Each appliance comes with small handles for easy removal. Simply hook your fingers over the handles and gently pull the expander down and away from the roof of the mouth.
Book your appointment
Our simple to use, online appointment process makes it easy for you to book for any one of our services and doctors.
