Palate Expander for Adults

[Guest guest]

Hey all,

My big question for you all, since everyone here seems to be really

well-versed in this stuff, is whether adults can have their palates

expanded non-surgically? My orthodontist wants to place a rapid

palate expander to widen the jaw now in case I don't go through

surgery. I have read that once one stops growing in late

adolescence, it can be unsafe to widen the palate with an expander

and can lead to tooth loss, etc. down the line. If anyone can

elaborate on whether this is true, I would be most grateful.

I am 26 and just began my second round of braces after having them at

age 14. My first orthodontist was on the verge of retirement so was

apparently not versed in the latest techniques. As a result, he had

four bicuspids extracted rather than using a rapid palate expander.

My current orthodontist is recommending that I undergo orthognathic

surgery in a year to correct my open bite.

However, I am uncertain if I want to undergo the expense and

potential side effects for what could end up being accomplished

almost as well with only orthodontics.