Widen Your Smile, Open Your Airway, Transform Your Health
At Strong Ties Oral Health, we specialize in airway-centered care for children and adults. Palatal expansion is a gentle, effective treatment designed to widen the upper jaw, improve nasal breathing, reduce sleep issues, and set the stage for a healthier smile and facial development.
Whether you're a parent concerned about your child’s sleep and mouth breathing, or an adult looking to improve jaw function and facial balance, palatal expansion may be the right next step.
What Is Palatal Expansion?
Palatal expansion uses a small, custom appliance to gradually widen the upper jaw (also called the maxilla). This creates more space in the mouth and nasal passages—improving both oral function and airway health.Crowded Teeth: By creating more room, palatal expansion can prevent or correct orthodontic issues like overcrowding.
Crowded or overlapping teeth
Mouth breathing or snoring
Narrow palate or crossbite
Sleep-disordered breathing (including mild sleep apnea)
Facial imbalance or recessed jaws
Who Is a Candidate?
Children & Preteens (Ages 4–12):
Early intervention is ideal! The palate is still developing, making treatment faster and more effective. Palatal expansion in kids can:
Support proper jaw growth
Reduce the need for braces or extractions
Address mouth breathing, snoring, and restless sleep
“My child has straight teeth—should I still be concerned?”
Yes! Even if teeth appear straight, a narrow palate can affect breathing, posture, and sleep.
Teens & Adults:
It’s not too late. We offer advanced options like:
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)
MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander)
These are ideal for young men and adults who want to:
Improve nasal airflow and reduce CPAP dependency
Enhance facial width and symmetry
Reduce TMJ pain, headaches, or fatigue
For Children & Teens:
Improved nasal breathing and airflow
Reduced snoring and mouth breathing
Fewer orthodontic issues later (less need for braces or extractions)
Healthier jaw and facial development
Better sleep quality and focus during the day
Reduced risk of developing sleep apnea
For Adults:
Increased airway space and improved oxygen flow
Reduced TMJ pain, tension headaches, or jaw clicking
Enhanced facial symmetry and jawline aesthetics
Better sleep—especially for those with mild sleep apnea
Fewer sinus or breathing-related health concerns
Possible reduction in CPAP dependence
Benefits of Palatal Expansion
How Does Palatal Expansion Work?
Custom Appliance Fitting
A small device is fitted to the upper jaw, tailored to your or your child’s anatomy.Gentle Daily Activation
With guidance, you’ll make tiny adjustments each day to gradually widen the palate.Progress Monitoring
We see you regularly to track results and ensure the expansion is working as planned.
Why Choose Strong Ties Oral Health for Palatal Expansion?
At Strong Ties, we go beyond traditional orthodontics. Led by Dr. Britney Green, DDS, our practice takes an airway-first, whole-person approach to oral health. That means:
We evaluate jaw growth, breathing patterns, and posture—not just teeth
We offer gentle, holistic options for kids and adults
We collaborate with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and sleep providers
Conveniently located in Apple Valley, MN, serving families across the Twin Cities
-
Most patients feel only mild pressure or tightness during activation. It’s not considered painful.
-
Most cases last 3–6 months, depending on age and expansion needs.
-
Yes! While expansion is easier during childhood, modern techniques like MSE/MARPE allow adults to benefit from this transformative treatment.
-
Sometimes, but often with fewer complications. Expansion creates the space needed for proper alignment, which can reduce the time and intensity of future orthodontic care.
FAQs About Palatal Expansion
Palatal expansion is more than a dental treatment—it’s an investment in better breathing, better sleep, and better development.
Whether you’re a parent looking for answers or an adult seeking jaw and airway support, we’re here to help.
Schedule a Consultation with Strong Ties Oral Health in Apple Valley today.
Let’s uncover the root cause—and help you or your child breathe, sleep, and grow stronger.