Orthodontics
Palatal Expanders for Kids in West Jordan
A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw while a child is still growing, creating room for crowded teeth and correcting bite problems before they get bigger.
Creates room naturally
Gentle, gradual widening while the jaw is still developing.
Prevents bigger work
Fixing crowding and crossbites early can simplify or avoid later treatment.
Kids adjust quickly
Most children get used to their expander within a few days.
What Is a Palatal Expander?
A palatal expander is a custom appliance that fits across the roof of the mouth and applies gentle, gradual pressure to widen the upper jaw. Because a child's jaw is still developing, this creates space naturally, and can prevent more involved treatment later.
How Expansion Works
A steady, gentle process with support at every step.
- 1
Custom fit
The expander is made to fit your child's mouth precisely and comfortably.
- 2
Small daily turns
We show you exactly how to make the tiny adjustments at home.
- 3
Gradual widening
Over several months, the upper jaw gently widens to create room.
- 4
A short hold
The expander stays briefly to let the new width settle in place.
We're a call away
Why Widen Early?
Expanders help with crowding, crossbites, and a narrow upper jaw. Creating room while the jaw is still growing guides incoming permanent teeth into better positions, and is often part of early (Phase 1) treatment. Once growth is complete, the same correction becomes much more involved, so timing is everything.
Who It's For, and Is It Comfortable?
Children whose upper jaw is narrow or whose teeth are crowding are the typical candidates, and Dr. Wendy Chu will let you know if your child is a good fit. Most children adjust within a few days. There may be mild pressure as the jaw widens, but it shouldn't be painful, and we'll show you exactly how to adjust and clean the expander at home.
A little room made now, while your child is growing, can spare them much bigger treatment later.
Where to Find Us in West Jordan
Our Southpoint office sits near 9000 South and 1300 West in West Jordan, just east of Redwood Road and about a mile east of Bangerter Highway. We're minutes from Gardner Village, Veterans Memorial Park, and Jordan Valley Medical Center, with free parking right out front.
Wasatch Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics: Southpoint 9071 S 1300 W Suite 100 West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 676-3700 Call to BookAlso Serving Families Near West Jordan
Just outside West Jordan? We welcome patients from across Salt Lake County.
Common Questions About Expanders
How long does my child wear an expander?
Typically several months, depending on how much widening is needed, followed by a short holding period. Dr. Chu will outline the timeline for your child.
Does an expander hurt?
There may be mild pressure during the first few days and after adjustments, but it should not be painful. Most kids adapt quickly.
Will my child talk or eat differently at first?
There can be a short adjustment period for speech and eating, usually just a few days. Kids adapt remarkably fast.
Is your child's bite developing well?
Call (801) 676-3700 for a friendly evaluation with Dr. Chu.