If you or your child have a narrow upper jaw, it can cause numerous issues, including overlapping and impacted teeth.
Palatal expanders increase your jaw width, improving your dental health and aesthetic. But how much should you expect to pay for jaw expansion treatment? Here are the details you need to prepare your budget.
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What Are Palatal Expanders?
Palatal expanders — also known as palate expanders and orthodontic expanders — are appliances that widen the upper jaw. Always custom-made to fit the patient, they are based on either physical molds or digital scans of the dental anatomy.
How do expanders work? To understand, we have to discuss upper jaw anatomy. At birth, you have two maxillary bones in the upper jaw, connected by the intermaxillary suture. Together, these three parts are called the maxilla. Around the middle teen years, the intermaxillary suture fuses with the maxillary bones, creating a single, solid structure.
At their most basic, orthodontic expanders widen the jaw by applying pressure to the maxillary bones, pushing them away from each other and the suture. Most expanders push on your molars or dental implants, although sometimes dentists will surgically implant them into the roof of your mouth. Once the jaw is the correct width, the expander stays in place until the intermaxillary suture fuses with the bones.
Signs You or Your Child Might Need a Palatal Expander
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Misaligned bites
- Impacted teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Speech problems
- Breathing problems
- Poor sleep
Typical Palate Expander Costs
There is no fixed cost for palate expanders. You have to see an orthodontist and get a customized quote to know exactly what you’ll pay for your or your child’s treatment. Since expanders can function on their own or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, the price range varies significantly.
While we can’t give you an exact number, we can talk about averages. Palatal expansion for children is often faster and easier than adult treatment, so it usually costs $1,000–$2,500. Adult palatal expansion ranges from $3,500 to $6,000, depending mostly on any necessary accompanying interventions.
Keep in mind that orthodontists might add other costs to the final bill. Most orthodontists will include the impression or digital scan, laboratory costs, insertion, and appliance checks in the quote, but ask to be sure.
Factors That Impact Treatment Cost
Many variables play into the cost of palatal expansion — and orthodontic treatment in general. That’s why the price range is so wide, and why you shouldn’t set your budget until you get a quote (or three). Here are the most common price-influencing factors.
Initial Consultation
This is the first cost of getting a palate expander. Many orthodontists offer it for free, while others don’t charge for the appointment but will for the diagnostics. Usually, they’ll apply any fees you pay toward your treatment costs if you decide to move forward.
The Doctor You Choose
Orthodontists charge according to their level of experience, training, reputation, and more. This means you could see a significant difference in costs between two doctors in the same city offering identical treatment plans. But before you discount the more expensive option, consider the benefits that come with the higher price.
Type of Expander
Not all palate expanders are identical. Some are actually quite complex, requiring advanced technology and additional customizations, and others rely on surgical implants to function. As a result, some options will cost a lot more than others.
Case Complexity
Orthodontic expansion can be quick and simple or long and complex. As you would expect, the more complex the treatment, the higher the costs. For example, a child’s jaw can be expanded in just a few months with nothing more than the expander, while adults might require jaw surgery plus many months with their expander. This also increases the number of check-ups, which come with their own fees.
Location
Higher cost-of-living areas equal heftier price tags. While we know this to be the case with things like housing and food, it’s also true of medical care. If you get your expander from an office in a larger city, you’ll likely pay more than you would in rural or suburban areas.
Dental Benefits
Orthodontic expansion is typically a covered treatment under dental plans — at least for children. Adult treatment still might be covered, but it’s less likely. And even if you have coverage, most policies will only pay up to 50% of the cost. Still, this can have a major impact on your out-of-pocket costs.
Discounts and Financing
Some dental and orthodontic practices will offer discounts or flexible financing options — some of which don’t charge interest or require a large down payment. For example, many practices give discounts when multiple family members get treatment at the same time or run occasional specials on various services.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the only way to see the price of your palatal expansion is to visit an orthodontist, or several, and get personalized quotes.
Just remember: there are many variables at play, so ask your doctor to clarify how they impact your bottom line. While you could pay several thousand dollars for treatment, in the end, the results for you or your child should make the investment worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save money by just getting braces?
If your orthodontist suggests an expander in addition to or in place of braces, go with their guidance. Both appliances have their pros and cons, and they can work together to achieve better results.
Can I get a quote for palatal expansion over the phone?
No, your orthodontist will need to see you or your child in person to assess the complexity of your case and draw up a customized quote. There are too many variables to discuss over the phone, though some offices might give you a potential price range.
What elements contribute to my palate expander quote?
It varies, but common items to include are:
- Visual assessment of the jaw and teeth
- Photographs and X-rays
- Digital scans and impressions
- Consultations and adjustments
- The appliance itself
Can payment plans save me money on treatment?
No, and if they charge interest, they can actually increase your overall costs. However, they can make the cost of treatment better fit into your budget. If you’re trying to save money, talk to your orthodontist about any discounts or specials they offer.
Are palatal expanders covered by health insurance?
No, but if you have a dental plan, it should provide coverage. Sometimes, it’s only for people younger than 18, but not always. However, most policies won’t cover more than 50% of the cost.
Do orthodontic expanders move the bones or just the teeth?
They can do both, but skeletal expansion is easier and more common for children under 14. Adults rarely achieve skeletal expansion without some form of surgery.
Is it difficult to adjust to a palatal expander?
We won’t lie: it’s not easy. But it also doesn’t take long. Most people need 3–7 days to adjust their eating and speech patterns to accommodate their expander.
Will palatal expansion hurt?
Palatal expanders alone should not hurt. However, adults often need additional interventions, potentially including surgery. As you would expect, some pain is common after jaw surgery, but you can manage it with pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor.
Will I need to limit my diet when I have an expander?
Yes. Certain foods can damage the appliance and are also more likely to cause choking, especially in the early stages when you are adjusting to your appliance. Your doctor will cover the foods you need to restrict.
How long should I expect to wear my expander?
It varies. Adults and older teens will usually need more than a year, while younger teens and children often need 3–9 months.
What are the typical side effects of palate expanders?
- Jaw soreness
- Tooth soreness
- Sinus pressure
- Headaches
- Speech changes
- Increased saliva production
- A gap between the two front teeth
What do I do if I lose the key to turn my expander?
Talk to your dentist or orthodontist. They can give you a new one. If you lose it over the weekend, you should be fine to skip a day or two.
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