Why Are More Kids Getting Palate Expanders (and Braces Earlier Than Ever)?
If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed more and more young kids—especially around age 8 or 9—rocking braces or a palate expander. Gone are the days of waiting until high school for orthodontic treatment. So, why the shift to earlier care? As a mom of a child who, in recent years, had a palate expander and is now in braces, I had questions, too. Luckily, the KidSmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team had answers that put my mind at ease.
Let’s break it down for all of us mommas and discuss why early orthodontic treatment can be a big win for your child’s long-term health and smile. Honestly, I wasn’t too sure why it made sense until I was explained its importance–and it made sense.
What Is a Palate Expander, Exactly?
A palate expander is a small orthodontic device that gently widens the upper jaw (aka the palate) over time. Why would a child need this? It’s usually because their upper jaw is too narrow, which can cause issues like:
- Crowded teeth (not enough room for adult teeth to come in)
- Crossbites (when the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly)
- Breathing issues (especially at night, if the airway is narrow)
The expander gradually creates more space in the mouth—think of it as making room for your child’s future smile to grow the right way. After walking through this step with my daughter and the results I’ve seen, it was worth the silly talking issues (like not being able to say daddy 🤪)
Why Are Kids Starting Orthodontic Care Earlier?
Orthodontists are catching potential issues sooner than ever before—often around age 7, when a mix of baby and adult teeth are present. The American Association of Orthodontists even recommends that all kids see an orthodontist by age 7 for an evaluation (AAO Source). Once I saw my daughter’s X-rays, I gladly said yes!
Starting early doesn’t always mean starting braces right away. But in cases where a child has a narrow jaw, crossbite, or crowding, early intervention with a palate expander can:
- Prevent more serious problems down the road
- Reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions later
- Make future orthodontic treatment (like braces) faster and easier
Think of it as working with your child’s growth spurts to gently guide their smile and jaw development.
Health Benefits Beyond a Straighter Smile
I always assumed braces were just about looks. But it turns out that correcting jaw and teeth alignment can have major health perks, such as:
- Improved breathing (especially during sleep)
- Reduced risk of tooth decay (crowded teeth are harder to clean)
- Less strain on jaw joints (which can prevent jaw pain and headaches later)
And let’s be real—when kids feel confident about their smiles, it shows in everything, from school photos to how they interact with friends. Remember being a kid and being made fun of for a crooked smile? No? Well, I do, and it wasn’t fun! 🤪
Does a Palate Expander Hurt?
This was one of my biggest questions. The answer? Yes, kind of, in the beginning, but only because they are adjusting to how to eat and speak. Kids adjust pretty quickly and only feel mild pressure when they have to click the device to help it expand (usually once a day for a few weeks). The expander stays in place for a few months to stabilize the growth, but most kids get used to it quickly—and might even show it off to friends! Mine did! Think head back, full tilt, mouth wide open–look at me!!!
What to Know as a Parent
Here’s what helped me feel prepared:
- Eating changes: Sticky or hard foods are off-limits during treatment.
- Speech adjustment: Some kids have a slight lisp at first, but it fades.
- Daily cleaning: Brushing around the expander takes practice, but our KidSmiles team gave us great tips.
- Follow-ups: Regular appointments ensure everything’s on track.
Peace of Mind with KidSmilesTexas.com
At KidSmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, the team makes kids (and parents!) comfortable. Whether it’s a first orthodontic check-up or a full treatment plan, their personalized approach ensures your child gets the right care at the right time.
If you’re wondering whether your child might need a palate expander or early orthodontic treatment, schedule a free consultation at either our Lake Conroe or Huntsville location.
Our expert team is here to answer your questions and help your child smile with confidence for years to come.
Ready to learn more? Visit KidSmilesTexas.com or call today to schedule your visit.
Guest blogger,
Kasey, momma to a young ortho patient
Instagram: @brandsmithmarketing