Palatal expansion: options and benefits
When a child’s palate is too narrow, the permanent teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly. In these situations, palatal expansion may be recommended to ensure optimal dental and respiratory development.
Since 2025, a new, simpler and more comfortable solution has been available: the Invisalign Palatal Expander™ (IPE).
Our palatal expansion options
Invisalign Palatal Expander™ (IPE)
A modern, discreet and comfortable technology.
- A series of white trays to change every two days.
- Gradual, gentle and painless expansion.
- No adjustments by parents required.
- Very well tolerated by children.
- Effectively widens the palate without a metal appliance.
Hyrax appliance (traditional method)
Still used in certain specific cases.
- Metal appliance attached to the palate.
- Requires turning a screw every day.
- Indicated when the expansion needs to be more targeted or faster.
The benefits of palatal expansion
Creating the space needed for permanent teeth
- Widens the dental arch.
- Allows all the permanent teeth to come in harmoniously.
- Reduces the risk of crowding or misaligned teeth.
Improving breathing and the airway
- Expanding the upper jaw helps open the airway.
- Promotes nasal breathing, essential to the child’s overall development.
Positive effects on general health
- Better oxygenation during sleep.
- More restful sleep.
- Better concentration, energy and behaviour.
My child snores, has dark circles or trouble concentrating: can expansion help?
Some signs may point to inadequate breathing:
- Snoring (awake or asleep).
- Mouth breathing.
- Restless sleep.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Trouble concentrating or hyperactivity.
A consultation to get a clear picture
An orthodontic assessment makes it possible to:
- measure the width of the palate,
- analyze breathing,
- determine whether expansion is needed,
- choose the most suitable method (IPE or Hyrax).
Why mouth breathing is a problem
- The tongue rests on the lower teeth instead of against the palate.
- It can no longer play its natural role of widening the palate.
- The palate becomes high and narrow, compressing the airway.
- This can lead to snoring, noisy breathing and unrefreshing sleep.
Common causes to assess
- Enlarged adenoids.
- Large tonsils.
- Chronic nasal obstruction.