I’ve been treating kids for over 25 years. And I need to be honest—expanders are like dial-up internet. They technically work… but it’s 2025, people. There’s a better way.
This little guy here is still the most commonly used tool to correct children’s teeth. So why am I saying to avoid it?
We’ll get to that in a sec—but first, let’s talk about what this thing even does.
So, these are expanders. There are a few types, but the one most kids with narrow palates and underbites get is called a bonded expander.
That is combined with a face mask + elastics.
These are used to correct the #1 dental issue for 90% of people; A narrow palate. Having a narrow palate or upper jaw, is like your mouth is trying to fit a Costco order of teeth into a studio apartment. So, we use the expander to widen the jaw, create space for teeth to line up right, and even open the airway. It can work—but let me tell you why I’ve practically broken up with this device.
A while ago, I treated a 10-year-old boy with a pretty rough underbite. He was outside of the 6-9 age window where the jawbone is most moldable to start with, so we were already against the clock. BUT we gave the expander a shot. And it was… a journey. Like, ‘camping with toddlers’ level stressful.
- Food kept getting stuck. I’m talking enough to feed a small raccoon—daily.
- It came loose and had to be reattached. Imagine super gluing IKEA furniture while your kid’s crying.
- His mom had to crank the key every single night—but she struggled. Have you seen how tiny the expander hole is for the tool?
And when we finally removed it… it pulled out some baby teeth. There was bleeding. And a smell I’ll never forget.
And here’s the thing, Expanders are usually just step one. After that comes braces. So, you’re in it for the long haul—think ‘Lord of the Rings trilogy-extended editions long. That’s why I went looking for a better way. Something less medieval, you know?
Most parents don’t even realize Invisalign can work for young kids. Heck, even a lot of orthodontists don’t! For years, Invisalign didn’t work for kids who had a mix of baby and adult teeth… but now? They’ve cracked the code with something called Invisalign First, designed specifically for ages 6–9.
With Invisalign First, we can get amazing results in as little as 6 months—compared to the 1–2 years you’re looking at with traditional braces and expanders. Best part? It’s practically painless. Expanders use 400–600 grams of force. Braces? 50–100. Invisalign? Just 5 to 10 grams. Bottom line: Your child gets results without the drama. And you? You’re officially off the hook as the nightly crank-turning parent. Alexander is one more success story at Stellar Smiles Ortho. See the life-changing results for yourself:
There’s a lot to consider when comparing the old-school route vs. the new Invisalign method. So I put together a super clear, mom-and-dad-friendly comparison guide. You can find it in the description of this video. It’ll help you feel confident knowing what’s best for your kid.
Don’t wait! Early Treatment to intercept these problems can mean the difference between a simple pain-free solution and years of complicated, costly and painful treatments later on.
FAITH
Speaking of things not being perfect. I want to encourage you. Things don’t have to be perfect for God to be present. It’s easy to feel discouraged when life isn’t going your way—but this truth has always lifted my spirit in the tough times:
2 Kings 20:5 (NKJV)
“I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.”
What a beautiful promise. God sees you. He hears you. And He’s not distant in your pain—He’s close. The secret to joy, no matter the season, is simple but powerful: never stop praying and praising. A thankful heart grows when we stay connected to Him. And don’t forget—God doesn’t just want to hear from you when things are hard. He delights in your voice always. Keep praying, even when things are going right!
Want to see and hear more?
For a more interactive experience, check out the live YouTube version of this blog, where we dive deeper into the topic and share expert insights. Click the link below to watch the full video!
Don’t wait! Early Treatment to intercept these problems can mean the difference between a simple pain-free solution and years of complicated, costly and painful treatments later on.
