Does expander for braces hurt?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on March 01, 2026
Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.
Do expanders break your jaw?
A palatal expander does not break your jaw. It separates the bones at the mid-palatal suture.
How much does palatal expansion surgery cost?
How much does a palatal expander cost? The cost of treatment depends on your location and the orthodontist you visit. In most cases, a palate expander costs anywhere between $2000 and $3000. Since palatal expansion is medically necessary, most insurance plans cover most or all of the treatment costs.
What are expanders used for?
An expander, also called a rapid palatal expander or RPE, is an appliance designed to correct a narrow upper arch that can result in crossbite, crowding, or impacted teeth. Two bands are cemented onto the last upper molars and connected by a metal screw that gets turned regularly to expand the appliance.
How long are expanders worn?
Typically, an expander will be in place for about 9 months total time. This may vary from child to child depending on his or her needs.
At what age can kids get expanders?
The ideal age for a child to get a palate expander is when they’re young, around 7 to 8 years old. The palate is forming rapidly, so it’s easier for orthodontists to reshape.
What is an Xpander light fixture?
These lamps help ensure parking lot lights remain well illuminated and safe, without the large energy consumption of metal halide light fixtures. Designed for hard-to-fit shoebox and wall pack light fixtures, the horizontal Xpander lamp features two sides that swing out.
What is expexpanded metal?
Expanded metal is a form of metal stock made by shearing a metal plate in a press, so that the metal stretches, leaving diamond-shaped voids surrounded by interlinked bars of the metal. The mesh is formed from a single piece of metal.
How do I Turn my expander?
Try laying down on your back and having an adult turn your expander with the help of a flashlight if necessary. If you do have to turn the expander yourself, position yourself in front of a mirror with one hand shining light into your mouth while the other hand uses the key. 2 Turn your expander according to your orthodontist’s instructions.
What is expanded metal?
Expanded metal is made from sheet metal uniformly slit and stretched. Expanded metal is a form of metal stock made by shearing a metal plate in a press, so that the metal stretches, leaving diamond-shaped voids surrounded by interlinked bars of the metal.