{"id":344,"date":"2026-10-29T21:06:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T21:06:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/palatal-expanders-do-they-change-the-shape-of-your-face\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T21:06:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T21:06:30","slug":"palatal-expanders-do-they-change-the-shape-of-your-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/palatal-expanders-do-they-change-the-shape-of-your-face\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Your Bite: Will a Palatal Expander Change Your Facial Shape?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you think a palatal expander<\/a> is only good for widening your child\u2019s upper jaw, you may be surprised that it does much more. This unique appliance creates more room for better bite alignment, but it also subtly changes your child\u2019s facial shape. Don\u2019t worry, these changes aren\u2019t bad, but it\u2019s worth understanding how they happen so neither you nor your child is surprised. Keep reading to learn what kind of differences you might see as your little one\u2019s jaw continues to develop.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does a Palatal Expander Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Palatal expanders are oral appliances that can help children with a narrow upper jaw. Misaligned teeth may not have enough room to shift, so an orthodontist may suggest this unique device to widen the palate. When worn for 3-12 months, it creates more space for permanent teeth to erupt and existing teeth to move into alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your child\u2019s orthodontist might recommend one if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n