Invisalign Palatal Expander
APPLIANCE PROFILE
HOW DOES THE INVISALIGN PALATAL EXPANDER WORK?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander is a removable, 3D-printed appliance designed to gently widen the upper jaw and correct crossbites. In 2024, our office was selected as the first in Michigan to offer this breakthrough system. Instead of manually turning a metal expander each day, patients simply switch through a series of custom-made trays that create space for permanent teeth as the palate expands. This makes treatment easier, more comfortable, and far more convenient for busy families.
At our Shelby Township location, Invisalign Palatal Expander treatment offers a gentle, removable way to widen the upper palate for growing children.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Invisalign Palatal Expander?
Children ages 7 to 12 are typically the best candidates for the Invisalign Palatal Expander, especially those with crossbites, narrow arches, or early signs of crowding. Because the appliance is removable, it’s an excellent option for kids who are active in sports, play musical instruments, or feel nervous about traditional metal expanders. During your child’s consultation, our orthodontist will evaluate their bite, palate width, and growth stage to determine whether Invisalign expansion or a traditional fixed expander is the best fit.
Learn more about our Invisalign treatment here: https://fredalortho.com/services/invisalign/
Benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander
The Invisalign Palatal Expander offers several advantages for growing children and busy families:
No metal or screw-turning — the appliance is completely turn-free.
Removable design — easier for eating, brushing, playing instruments, and sports.
More comfortable — custom 3D-printed trays designed specifically for your child’s palate.
Gentle daily expansion — gradual, predictable tooth and palate movement.
Fewer emergency visits — no poking wires or broken metal parts.
Source: Invisalign® Official Site: https://www.invisalign.com/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPANDER
How many different expander trays are needed?
Most patients going through Invisalign Palatal Expansion treatment will change their expander tray about once per day for 30 days. So, patients will go through about 30 trays throughout the course of treatment.
How easy is it for kids to put the expander in and out?
This is the most attractive part of this appliance: it’s removable. Most children can easily pop the expander tray in and out on their own, no matter their age. So, when they’re eating, playing an instrument, giving a speech to their class, or some other special moment in their life, they can remove the expander and continue when they’re done.
Are there any orthodontic emergencies?
With other orthodontic appliances, the typical emergency ranges from pokey wires, loose bands, to broken appliances. These are mostly fixed appliances, meaning non-removable, so any problems that arise will require an office visit. With the Invisalign Palatal Expanders, there are no metal parts or wires, and they are removable, so this means fewer unplanned trips to our office.
What is the downside to an Invisalign expander?
Our orthodontist will first determine if your treatment case is suitable for this type of expansion. Once it is determined to be an acceptable treatment, then the biggest downside is really how responsible and compliant the patient will be wearing this removable expander. Will they keep removing the expander throughout the day? Will they even just forget altogether and leave it at home while in school? Will they lose it during lunch (most common is putting it in a napkin and tossing it out)? Will they move on daily to the next tray as prescribed by the doctor? You know your child best, and you just need to answer the question: will a removable expander be the right solution? If not, then a more traditional non-removable expander might be a better fit for your child.
Are there any food restrictions?
Since Invisalign Palatal Expanders are removable, mealtimes stay stress-free. Just pop them out, eat, brush your teeth, clean the expander tray with a toothbrush, and pop them back in. So, eat whatever you want.
How do I clean the expander trays?
Cleaning the Invisalign Expander Trays is extremely easy. Just remove the tray from your child’s mouth when brushing, then just use toothpaste and a normal toothbrush to gently brush over both sides of the expander tray. When done, rinse with water and place it back in place in your child’s mouth. It’s that simple.
