At Grosso Orthodontics, we understand that it may be scary to learn that your child needs a palatal expander. It may come as a surprise, but palatal expanders are a common orthodontic appliance for children. They are used to help widen an upper jaw for kids and young teens that have a narrow palate. Dr. Lindsay Grosso or Dr. Michael Grosso might recommend this oral device if your child has a crossbite, crooked teeth or impacted teeth with the overall goal of making sure your child’s mouth has the necessary room for adult teeth. We are making that process smoother, more comfortable and more relaxed than ever before with the Invisalign® Palatal Expander.
THE CRANK-FREE INVISALIGN® PALATAL EXPANDER
The oral device utilizes a series of 3D-printed, custom expanders to seamlessly make room for adult teeth. Traditional palatal expanders are personally-made using stainless steel. They are attached to the roof of your child’s mouth and bonded to several molars. The uncomfortable part for parents is when they have to go into their child’s mouth with a special key and turn it once or twice a day. Fortunately, there is no cranking involved with the Invisalign® Palatal Expander! As a result, you and your child experience less stress, zero tears and a more enjoyable experience!
HOW GETTING AN INVISALIGN® PALATAL EXPANDER WORKS
You will first want to request a complimentary consultation for your child. During this appointment, Dr. Grosso will evaluate your child’s mouth and teeth to determine if they are a good candidate for the Invisalign® Palatal Expander. The American Association of Orthodontists actually recommends your child has their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7 or at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. Early intervention is key to preventing oral problems that may require more invasive treatment later down the road. In fact, the Invisalign® Palatal Expander is ideal for children between the ages of 6-11. That is because their bones are still soft and developing, allowing us to make modifications more easily than later in life when they are strong and hardened.
EASY & HIGH-TECH DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS & 3D PRINTING
After your initial consultation, we will take scans of your child’s mouth using innovative technology with our iTero™ digital scanner. This allows us to create expanders that are tailored to your child’s mouth, ensuring a precise fit. We will 3D print each set, and every couple of weeks, your child will get a new expander to help progress their results. The best part is that there are no metal screws or tightenings for maximum comfort!
BENEFITS OF AN INVISALIGN® PALATAL EXPANDER VS. A TRADITIONAL EXPANDER
There are many advantages to this cutting-edge system. Here are a few reasons our Grosso Orthodontics families choose it over a traditional expander:
GET STARTED WITH INVISALIGN® PALATAL EXPANDERS
Our team is ready when you are to help your child on their orthodontic journey! To schedule a complimentary consultation, you can fill out our online form or give us a call at (843) 970-3202. We look forward to transforming your child’s growing smile at one of our three convenient locations: Georgetown, Moncks Corner or Summerville.