A palatal expander is a device in the field of orthodontics which is used to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. Attached to the upper molars through bonding or by cemented bands, the palatal expander is used to create a wider space in the upper jaw. Palatal expanders create more space in a child’s mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. Although this may sound scary, it’s really quite easy — both to do and to tolerate. That’s because the upper jaw actually develops as two separate halves that don’t completely fuse together until sometime after puberty. An expander is custom-made for each individual and fits over several top teeth in the back of the mouth. The appliance has two halves that are connected in the middle with a screw.

More journal info: http://www.sciaeon.org/dentistry-and-practices/home

Article page: http://www.sciaeon.org/dentistry-and-practices/articles-in-press                

Explore your manuscript: http://www.sciaeon.org/submit-paper

For any queries: dentistry@sciaeonopenaccess.com