---
type: Article
title: "Palatal Expansion – How It Works and When It’s Necessary"
description: "When is palatal expansion recommended? JUST KFO explains the process, benefits & use in children and adults."
resource: https://www.just-kfo.de/en/articles/palatal-expansion/
language: en
tags: [orthodontics, articles]
timestamp: 2026-08-24T03:17:38+02:00
---

# Palatal Expansion – How It Works and When It’s Necessary

For certain jaw misalignments, conventional braces are not sufficient to create a healthy and functional bite. One option for specifically widening the upper jaw is called palatal expansion — an orthodontic procedure primarily used in childhood and adolescence, but also in adults under certain conditions.
Palatal expansion is considered a proven treatment method that offers not only orthodontic but also health benefits, such as improved nasal breathing in children and adolescents.
In this article, we at JUST KFOexplain what palatal expansion is, how it works, and in which cases it becomes necessary.
In cases of severe misalignment, we subsequently combine palatal expansion with fixed braces.

What Is Palatal Expansion?
A palatal expansion (rapid maxillary expansion, RME) is a procedure that widens the upper jaw. The palate forms the roof of the mouth, and the palatal suture runs along the middle of the palate as a natural growth line. The aim of palatal expansion is to widen the upper jaw by deliberately using this growth line, so that new bone forms in the middle of the palate.

This creates space for the teeth, improves tooth alignment and jaw position , and provides an effective solution for misaligned teeth as well as treatment of a narrow jaw. Especially in childhood and adolescence, when jaw growth is not yet complete, treatment is particularly effective at this age. It corrects functional and cosmetic problems.

Causes of an excessively narrow upper jaw can be genetic or result from early tooth loss and other factors, which can lead to problems such as crowding, malocclusion, and breathing disorders. Treatment is therefore an important measure to sustainably address the effects of a narrow jaw and the associated problems.
When Is Palatal Expansion Necessary?
Palatal expansion represents an important treatment option for patients in whom certain causes such as an excessively narrow upper jaw are present. The most common causes include genetic predisposition, early loss of primary teeth, or unfavorable habits such as thumb sucking, which can lead to skeletal narrowing of the upper jaw. These changes cause various problems such as misaligned teeth, crowding, or crossbite.
Palatal expansion is typically used in cases of:
Crossbite (the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw)
Crowding for permanent teeth in the upper jaw
Posterior bite disordersin which the back teeth are incorrectly positioned relative to each other
Airway restrictions (e.g., in cases of chronic mouth breathing or snoring)
Preparation for surgical procedures (e.g., in combination with combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment)

The effects of palatal expansion are multifaceted: it improves the function and health of the jaw, creates space for the teeth, optimizes breathing, and can significantly enhance the overall well-being of patients.
Comprehensive diagnostics—including X-rays, model analysis, and digital planning—are crucial for determining the necessity and optimal timing of treatment.
How does palatal expansion work?
Treatment is performed with a fixed appliance (brace) that is attached in the upper jaw. This device is equipped with a central expansion screw and is secured with bands on the posterior teeth and additional teeth . The anchorage can be tooth-borne or placed directly in the jawbone , depending on the indication.

During treatment, controlled widening of the palatal suture stimulates the formation of new bone , which ensures the stability of the result. The appliance or appliances are classic orthodontic devices for palatal expansion.
The orthodontist plans and monitors the entire therapy and adjusts it individually to the patient . In adults, additional support through a surgical procedure (surgery) or a distractoris often necessary to ensure skeletal anchorage in the bone.
The process includes:
Placement of the appliance: This is fixed to the upper posterior teeth and fitted with a central expansion screw.
Activation phase: The screw is usually turned once daily (according to the orthodontist's instructions). This creates gentle pressure on the palatal suture.
Retention phase: After the desired width is achieved, the appliance remains in the mouth for several months to stabilize the new bone growth.

The active part of treatment takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks—the entire treatment duration including stabilization typically lasts several months.
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Is palatal expansion painful?
During the activation phase, a feeling of pressure may occur, especially in the first few days. Pain in the classic sense, however, is rare. The therapy is individually tailored to the patient, as the perception of pressure or pain can vary from patient to patient. The feeling of pressure indicates that the appliance is working—a good sign of treatment progress. If needed, a mild pain reliever can help.
Palatal expansion in adults—is it possible?
Yes, but: In adults, jaw growth is already complete and the midpalatal suture is usually already ossified. Therefore, surgery with surgical assistance is necessary to perform palatal expansion. In these cases, a distractor can be anchored directly in the jawbone as a device to enable targeted expansion.

After surgery, the skeletal anchorage in the jawbone ensures that pressure is effectively transferred and new bone forms in the midline suture. Palatal expansion in adults can therefore only be performed in combination with an oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure. This method is planned and performed in close coordination with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Benefits of Palatal Expansion
Improved bite alignment through a wider upper jaw
More space for permanent teeth
Avoidance of tooth extractions
Promotion of nasal breathing when indicated
Comprehensive solution: Palatal expansion is recommended by ENT physicians as an effective solution because it not only corrects orthodontic problems but also promotes health and overall well-being.
Comprehensive effect: The treatment shows positive effects on skeletal structure, tooth position, and general health, particularly through improved breathing.
Good balance of effort and benefit: Palatal expansion offers an excellent benefit-to-cost ratio and sustainable health advantages.
Long-term stability when applied early

Precise Jaw Correction Through Palatal Expansion
Palatal expansion is a proven procedure for sustainably treating jaw misalignments – especially in young patients. At our practice JUST KFO in Cologne-Rodenkirchen , we are happy to provide detailed and individualized consultation. With modern diagnostics, gentle methods, and an experienced team, we guide you or your child toward a healthy bite and a harmonious smile.
Book an appointment now– we look forward to seeing you.

Sources:Baratieri, C., Alves, M., de Souza, M. M. G., et al. (2011). Does rapid maxillary expansion have long-term effects on airway dimensions and breathing? American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 140(2), 146–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2011.02.019
Ugolini, A., Agostino, P., Silvestrini-Biavati, A., Harrison, J. E., & Batista, K. B. S. L. (2021). Orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbites. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD000979. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000979.pub3
Grippaudo, C., Paolantonio, E. G., Antonini, G., et al. (2016). Association between oral habits, mouth breathing and malocclusion. Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 36(5), 386–394. https://doi.org/10.14639/0392-100X-770

Frequently Asked Questions About Palatal Expansion
At what age is palatal expansion recommended?
The treatment is most effective while the midpalatal suture has not yet ossified – usually during childhood and adolescence. During this growth phase, the upper jaw can be gently widened. In adults, the bony suture is usually fused, so a combined oral and maxillofacial surgical approach may be necessary.
Is palatal expansion painful?
The treatment is generally not painful. When activating the expansion screw, there is usually a brief sensation of pressure or tension in the area of the palate and nose, which subsides after a short time. During the first few days, speaking and eating may feel somewhat unfamiliar.
How long does the treatment take?
The actual expansion phase, during which the screw is activated regularly, usually lasts only a few weeks. After that, the appliance typically remains in the mouth for several months so that the newly formed bone can heal and stabilize. The exact duration depends on the individual case.
Is the gap between the upper front teeth normal?
Yes. During expansion, a visible gap may temporarily form between the upper central incisors—a sign that the expansion is working. This gap typically closes on its own as treatment progresses.
What benefits does palatal expansion offer beyond tooth alignment?
In addition to creating more space for the teeth, upper jaw expansion can improve nasal breathing and—depending on the initial findings—correct a crossbite. In appropriate cases, it may also have a positive effect on jaw and facial development. Whether this makes sense is something we assess individually as part of our diagnostic evaluation.