Introduction

The use of a palate expander during orthodontic treatment can indeed cause subtle changes in the face shape, though the extent is much less than what is observed through treatments like correcting overbites or underbites. Facial recognition software, which measures specific facial landmarks such as the distance between eyes and the width of brow bones, remains largely unaffected by these changes. Even plastic surgeries do not produce the same level of change. Nevertheless, the widening of the palate, and consequently the jaw, can have noticeable effects on a person’s face, particularly in individuals with narrow jaws and faces.

The Impact of Palate Expander on Face Shape

Upon widening the palate, more space is created for secondary teeth. This additional space can cause the jaw to widen, leading to an adjustment in the lower face to accommodate the expanded palate. Individuals with very narrow faces may not have enough room for their secondary teeth to grow without overlapping. In such cases, teeth need to be removed before applying braces, or the teeth would remain crowded and eventually require a second round of straightening. This is where the use of a palate expander before braces can be particularly beneficial.

My personal experience with using palate expanders on my children demonstrates this. Both of them had to have approximately six teeth removed before the expander was placed. After the palate was expanded, braces were applied, ensuring that their teeth were straight and aligned, and no evidence of the teeth removal was visible. However, the outcome varied; my son’s teeth have since become misaligned due to irregular wear of his retainer, while my daughter’s teeth remain aligned and look good. Additionally, one of her molars required a crown due to enamel damage from a metal brace.

The face shapes of both my daughter and son improved after the treatment. Their chins appeared more natural, transitioning from a slightly pointy shape to a more balanced look.

Understanding the Mechanism

The primary bones moved by a palate expander include the sphenoid and the maxilla. The sphenoid bone, as illustrated, contributes significantly to the palate’s lower part and the cheekbones, leading to higher cheekbones. The maxilla is attached to the lower end of the nose, potentially resulting in a more straightened nose. These changes are not permanent without proper maintenance. Patients who naturally position their tongue on the upper palate often maintain the results due to a consistent suction hold effect. However, those with different oral habits, such as breathing through the mouth, often lose the gains over time. Expansion becomes increasingly difficult after the age of 25.

Further Information

For a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of palate expanders on face shape and dental health, I recommend checking out the YouTube channel Orthotropics. Their videos provide in-depth insights and practical information on the subject.

One of their best introductory videos is highly recommended.