Orthodontics
Is your upper jaw narrow, are your teeth crowded or is your bite not developing correctly? We help you correct these problems early, with tailored solutions and carefully monitored treatment. Book an appointment and find out whether a maxillary expander is the right solution for you or your child.
A maxillary expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw when it is too narrow. It acts gradually on the bones of the upper jaw, creating space for the teeth and helping to correct the bite.
It is recommended especially during the growth period, when the bones can be guided more easily, contributing to the correct development of the teeth and face.
A maxillary expander is made up of several components that work together to gradually widen the upper jaw. Depending on the type of appliance, the structure may vary slightly, but the main elements are the same.
This is the active component of the expander. It is turned using a special key and produces controlled expansion of the upper jaw.
These attach the appliance to the teeth and transmit the force generated by the screw to the upper jaw, ensuring stability throughout treatment.
Present in some models, such as the Haas, the acrylic components rest on the palate and help distribute the forces evenly during expansion.
A maxillary expander works by applying controlled pressure to the upper jaw in order to widen it gradually. The appliance is activated periodically, as instructed by the orthodontist, and this activation allows the bones to separate gently, creating the space needed for the correct alignment of the teeth. The process is gradual and carefully monitored, so that adaptation is safe and effective.
There are several types of maxillary expander, the choice being made according to the patient’s age, the degree of narrowing of the upper jaw and the goals of the orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist determines the best option after a consultation, radiological investigations and an analysis of bone development.
The fixed expander is the most widely used option because it delivers predictable results and does not depend on the patient’s cooperation. The appliance is cemented to the teeth and stays in the mouth permanently until the treatment is complete.
The removable expander is used more rarely and only for certain indications. It can be taken out by the patient, but its effectiveness depends very much on following the wearing time recommended by the orthodontist.
In most cases, the fixed expander is preferred for rapid expansion of the upper jaw.
Tooth-borne expanders transmit forces through the teeth. The best-known models are the Hyrax and the Haas.
The Hyrax is an all-metal appliance, easy to clean and widely used in orthodontics for rapid expansion of the upper jaw.
The Haas combines a metal structure with acrylic elements that also rest on the palate, distributing the forces over a larger area.
For older teenagers and adults, bone-borne or hybrid expanders may be recommended, which use mini-implants inserted into the palatal bone. These reduce the load on the teeth and allow more effective expansion in complex cases.
A maxillary expander is recommended in situations where the upper jaw is not sufficiently developed and this affects the alignment of the teeth or the bite. It is most often used during the growth period, when results can be achieved more easily and more stably.
It is particularly recommended in the following cases:
The recommendation is always made following an orthodontic consultation and a complete assessment.
Although they are often used together, the maxillary expander and braces have completely different roles.
The expander modifies the development and size of the upper jaw, creating space and correcting the narrowing of the arch. Braces, on the other hand, move and align the teeth into the correct position.
In many treatment plans, the expander is the first stage, followed by braces for the complete alignment of the teeth and a stable bite.
Activation is carried out using a special key inserted into the hole in the central screw. The orthodontist explains exactly the direction of rotation and the frequency of activations, which is usually once a day or according to the individual protocol.
The process takes only a few seconds:
It is important that activations are carried out exactly as instructed. Activating too often or too rarely can affect the outcome of the treatment.
In children, a maxillary expander is one of the most effective solutions for correcting a narrow upper jaw, because the bones are still growing and can be guided easily. The treatment helps create the space needed for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly and corrects the bite before problems get worse.
Early intervention can reduce or even eliminate the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in the future, giving your child harmonious development of the teeth and face.
In adults, the midpalatal suture is much more rigid because the ossification process is almost complete. For this reason, expanding the upper jaw is more difficult and requires a careful assessment before treatment begins.
In certain cases, mini-implant-assisted expanders or surgical techniques may be used, allowing stable and safe expansion to be achieved.
The treatment plan is individualised according to the patient’s age, anatomy and the severity of the orthodontic problem.
SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a procedure used when expansion of the upper jaw can no longer be achieved through orthodontic treatment alone.
The procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, after which the expander is activated progressively to widen the upper jaw.
This solution is recommended especially for adults with severe narrowing of the upper jaw and can create the space needed before definitive orthodontic treatment.
The length of treatment with a maxillary expander varies depending on age and the severity of the problem. In general, the active phase of widening the upper jaw lasts a few weeks, during which the appliance is activated as instructed by the orthodontist.
This stage is followed by the stabilisation period, which can last a few months and is needed to maintain the result and allow the bone to adapt. Your orthodontist will explain the estimated duration from the outset and will monitor progress throughout the treatment.
The first few days after the expander is fitted are an adjustment period. It is normal for speech and chewing to be slightly affected until the patient gets used to the appliance.
To maintain proper hygiene, we recommend:
As regards diet, it is advisable to avoid very hard or sticky foods, or foods that can loosen the appliance, such as toffees, chewing gum, peanuts or hard sweets.
If the appliance partially comes loose, moves or causes marked discomfort, activations must be stopped until the orthodontic consultation.
Do not try to reposition or repair it at home. Contact the clinic as soon as possible to book a consultation.
Seeing the orthodontist promptly reduces the risk of the treatment being interrupted and allows the appliance to be refitted before the results achieved are affected.
A maxillary expander is a safe treatment when planned and monitored by an orthodontist. However, as with any medical treatment, some temporary effects or complications may occur.
The most common are:
Frequently asked questions
An orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw when it is narrow.
Between the ages of 7 and 14, when the bone sutures are not yet fully formed.
Activation lasts 2–4 weeks, and stabilisation 3–6 months.
No. The procedure is painless and adjustment is quick.
Widening of the upper jaw, improved breathing, space for the teeth, bite correction.
The cost varies depending on the case; the final price is set at the consultation.
It is fitted to the roof of the mouth, so it is barely visible.
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