If your child has a very narrow maxillary palate, then your dentist may have recommended a palatal expander. This orthodontic device slowly widens the bones that make up the roof of the mouth. While some older children and adults may use expanders, it's usually better to have this orthodontic treatment earlier since younger children are still growing. Here are just a few ways your child can benefit from this treatment.

Your Child's Breathing Will Improve

Some people think that snoring isn't a problem, but it can be indicative of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder where a person temporarily stops breathing at night because the tongue collapses in the throat. Children can develop this disorder—especially if they have narrow palates. When the palate is expanded, more air can easily pass in the throat and lungs, and the tongue won't collapse as easily.

Besides sleep apnea, expanders can help children with allergies and asthma breathe more easily. If a child has a narrow palate, it may be difficult for him or her to breathe through her nose. To compensate, the child might begin breathing through his or her mouth. Believe it or not, mouth breathing can cause the facial muscles and bones to grow abnormally. Mouth breathing can cause overbites, gummy smiles, and poor posture. Mouth breathing can also increase the risk of cavities, throat infections, and halitosis.

In short, an expander can help your child get out of the habit of mouth-breathing and prevent future problems down the road.

Your Child's Teeth Won't Crowd Together

If your child's palate is too narrow, teeth can become crowded. Crowded teeth make it harder to floss and brush. Crowded teeth also cause imbalances when eating, so enamel can wear down prematurely. Teeth that are prematurely worn down are prone to cavities. An expander can correct an imbalanced bite because it prevents overcrowding and helps adult teeth erupt in their correct positions.

Your Child Will Avoid TMJ Issues

In an ideal bite, tooth cusps should fit nicely into the depressions of the opposing teeth. A crossbite is a type of malocclusion where the upper teeth don't relate or fit correctly into the lower teeth. If your child has a crossbite, then he or she can develop tooth grinding (bruxism). Bruxism in turn can lead to TMJ disorder, a condition where the jaw joint and jaw muscles function improperly. TMJ dysfunctions can make it hard for your child to eat because of pain. He or she may also suffer from headaches, poor sleep, and muscle spasms. Because expanders can correct crossbites, your child won't have to deal with bruxism and the possible TMJ issues that typically follow.

Contact a dentist in your area for more information on expanders and other orthodontic treatments.