Invisalign Palatal Expanders
Aligning teeth without metal braces
Invisalign Expanders
A Modern Solution for Growing Smiles: Introducing Invisalign® Palatal Expanders
Creating the perfect space for a beautiful smile sometimes means helping your child’s upper jaw develop properly. While traditional metal expanders have been the go-to solution, there’s now an exciting alternative that offers more comfort and convenience for your child.
The Clear Choice for Jaw Development
Think of Invisalign palatal expanders as gentle guides for your child’s growing smile. These custom-made, clear expanders work similarly to their metal counterparts but with some significant advantages. They’re removable, nearly invisible, and don’t require manual adjustments – making the entire process easier for both parents and children.
How Does It Work?
Your child simply wears a series of clear expanders that gradually encourage the upper jaw to widen naturally. Each new expander brings them one step closer to their ideal smile, without the need for turning keys or adjusting screws. The process typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to about a year, depending on your child’s specific needs.
Why Parents and Kids Love It
- Easy to keep clean – just remove for brushing and flossing
- More comfortable without metal or adjustment screws
- Nearly invisible, boosting confidence during treatment
- Simple to use – just switch to the next expander when directed
Is This Right for Your Child?
The best time to consider palatal expansion is typically before age 12, while your child’s jaw is still developing. Early treatment can prevent more complex dental issues down the road. Every child is unique, though, and we’d love to help you explore whether this modern approach is the right choice for your family.
Invisalign IPE FAQ
What is the Invisalign Palatal Expander System?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern orthodontic device designed to widen a narrow upper jaw (maxilla) in growing patients. It consists of a series of custom-made, removable expanders that apply gentle pressure to gradually expand the palate, creating space for proper tooth alignment and improving bite function.
How does the Invisalign Palatal Expander differ from traditional expanders?
Unlike traditional metal expanders that are fixed in the mouth and require manual adjustments, the Invisalign Palatal Expander is removable and does not involve screws or daily manual turning. Patients progress through a series of expanders, each designed to incrementally widen the palate, making the process more comfortable and less invasive.
What is the treatment process with the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
The treatment involves several phases:
• Consultation and Diagnosis: The orthodontist assesses the need for expansion.
• Expansion Phase: Patients wear each expander for a specified period, typically changing to the next in the series every few days, to achieve the desired expansion.
• Retention Phase: After achieving the desired expansion, retainers (holders) are used to stabilize the palate.
How long does treatment with the Invisalign Palatal Expander take?
The active expansion phase usually lasts about one month, depending on the amount of expansion needed. This is followed by a retention phase to stabilize the new arch width. The total treatment time varies based on individual needs and the orthodontist’s recommendations.