A palatal expander is an orthodontic device commonly used in children to gradually expand the width of the upper jaw to correct a narrow palate. If your child has a narrow palate, it can lead to several complex issues if not addressed, including speech problems, airway obstruction, and crowding of teeth. The upper jaw will create room for your child's permanent adult teeth, correct bite misalignment, and open the airway for better breathing and sleep quality. The expander is typically mounted to the upper molars, custom-fit by the doctor to conform to the shape of the child's teeth and mouth. It works by gently applying pressure to the upper jawbone and the inside edges of the back teeth, gradually widening the area and placing the teeth in a more desirable position to work with the lower jaw and teeth. The device has a screw that can be adjusted at home with a special key provided by the doctor, gradually widening the palate over weeks or months. Once treatment with a palatal expander is complete, the device is removed from the mouth, and traditional braces can be used to further adjust individual teeth, aligning the bite and improving the function and appearance of the child's mouth. A palatal expander is an important part of a preventative plan to make room for adult teeth, properly align teeth, and stave off future airway complications like obstructive sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and other breathing-related issues.