At Westwood Orthodontics, we believe that a healthy, confident smile starts with a strong foundation. For many children and teens, that foundation begins with traditional expanders in Los Angeles. Orthodontic expanders play a critical role in guiding proper jaw development, creating space for teeth, and preventing more complex dental issues later in life. Our experienced orthodontic team is proud to offer traditional expanders as part of a comprehensive, personalized approach to orthodontic care.
Whether your child is experiencing crowding, bite issues, or a narrow upper jaw, traditional expanders can help set the stage for long-term oral health and successful orthodontic treatment.
Traditional expanders, also known as palatal expanders, are orthodontic appliances designed to gradually widen the upper jaw. They are custom-made devices that fit securely along the roof of the mouth and are attached to the upper molars. Using gentle, controlled pressure, the expander encourages the upper jaw to widen over time.
This treatment is most effective in children and adolescents whose jawbones are still developing. By guiding growth at the right time, traditional expanders help correct structural issues rather than masking them with more invasive treatments later.
A narrow upper jaw can lead to a variety of orthodontic and functional problems. Traditional expanders address the root cause of these concerns by improving jaw width and alignment early in life.
When there is not enough room in the upper jaw, teeth may erupt crooked, overlap, or become impacted. Expanding the jaw creates sufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt naturally, reducing the likelihood of future extractions.
A narrow palate often contributes to crossbites, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. Left untreated, crossbites can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw discomfort, and long-term bite problems. Traditional expanders help guide the bite into proper alignment.
Proper jaw width supports efficient chewing, clearer speech, and balanced jaw movement. In some cases, expansion may also improve airflow and breathing by increasing space in the nasal passages.
Traditional expanders are most commonly recommended for children between the ages of 6 and 14, when the upper jaw is still growing and more responsive to expansion. However, each patient is unique, and candidacy is determined through a thorough orthodontic evaluation.
Patients who may benefit from traditional expanders include those who have:
At Westwood Orthodontics, we carefully evaluate facial growth, dental development, and bite alignment before recommending expanders. Our goal is always to choose the most effective and appropriate treatment for each patient.
Treatment begins with a detailed orthodontic consultation at Westwood Orthodontics. During this visit, our team examines the teeth, jaw structure, and bite using advanced diagnostic tools. This allows us to determine whether traditional expanders are the right solution.
If an expander is recommended, a custom appliance is created to fit the patient’s mouth precisely. This ensures optimal comfort, effectiveness, and stability throughout treatment.
The expander is securely attached to the upper molars. Once in place, it remains fixed and works continuously to apply gentle pressure to the upper jaw.
After the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance remains in place for a period of time to allow new bone to form and stabilize the jaw. This step is essential for long-lasting results.
Patients may notice slight pressure, tightness, or temporary changes in speech during the early days of wearing a traditional expander. These sensations usually fade as the mouth adapts. A small gap may appear between the front teeth during expansion, which is a normal sign that the treatment is working.
Our team at Westwood Orthodontics closely monitors progress during regular visits to ensure the expansion is proceeding safely and effectively.
Proper care is essential to maintain oral health during treatment.
Our team provides detailed care instructions and ongoing support to help patients and parents feel confident throughout the process.
Traditional expanders are often the first step in a larger orthodontic plan. Once expansion is complete and the jaw is stabilized, many patients move on to braces or clear aligners. By correcting jaw width early, future orthodontic treatment is typically more efficient and comfortable.
At Westwood Orthodontics, we take a long-term approach to smile design, ensuring that each phase of treatment works together seamlessly.
Choosing the right orthodontic provider is just as important as choosing the right treatment. At Westwood Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering exceptional care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our orthodontists have extensive experience in early interceptive treatments, including traditional expanders. We stay up to date with the latest techniques to ensure safe and effective results.
Every patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, growth patterns, and goals. No two smiles are treated the same.
We use modern orthodontic technology to enhance precision, comfort, and treatment outcomes.
From the first visit through every stage of treatment, our team prioritizes patient comfort, education, and confidence.
If you are considering traditional expanders in Los Angeles, Westwood Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Early orthodontic care can make a lasting difference in your child’s smile, oral health, and overall confidence.
Contact Westwood Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and learn how traditional expanders can help build a healthier, more balanced smile for the future.
2026 © All Rights Reserved | Westwood Orthodontics | Orthodontist Website by Ortho Marketing Powered By Presentation Multimedia | Privacy Policy
