Widen Your Smile, Open Your Airway, Transform Your Health

At Strong Ties Oral Health, we specialize in airway-centered orthodontics for children and adults.

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What Is Palatal

Expansion?

Palatal expansion uses a custom device to widen the upper jaw, increasing space in the mouth and nasal passages for better function and airflow.

This helps prevent or alleviate:

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth

  • Mouth breathing or snoring

  • Narrow palate or crossbite

  • Sleep-disordered breathing

  • Facial imbalance or recessed jaws

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Who Is it for?

Children & Preteens (Ages 4–12):

Early intervention is key! Palatal expansion can:

  • Support jaw growth

  • Reduce the need for braces

  • Address mouth breathing and snoring

Teens & Adults:

We offer tailored options like:

  • MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)

  • MARPE (Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander)

These solutions help you:

  • Improve nasal airflow

  • Enhance facial structure

  • Alleviate TMJ pain and fatigue

We’re here to support your journey to better health and comfort!

How Does Palatal Expansion Work?

  1. Custom Appliance Fitting
    A small device is fitted to the upper jaw, tailored to your or your child’s anatomy.

  2. Gentle Daily Activation
    With guidance, you’ll make tiny adjustments each day to gradually widen the palate.

  3. Progress Monitoring
    We see you regularly to track results and ensure the expansion is working as planned.

Benefits of Palatal

Expansion

For Children & Teens:

  • Improved nasal breathing and airflow

  • Reduced snoring and mouth breathing

  • Fewer orthodontic issues later (less need for braces or extractions)

  • Healthier jaw and facial development

  • Better sleep quality and focus during the day

  • Reduced risk of developing sleep apnea

For Adults:

  • Increased airway space and improved oxygen flow

  • Reduced TMJ pain, tension headaches, or jaw clicking

  • Enhanced facial symmetry and jawline aesthetics

  • Better sleep, especially for those with mild sleep apnea

  • Fewer sinus or breathing-related health concerns

  • Possible reduction in CPAP dependence

A young boy with brown hair sleeping in bed, reading a book under a blanket. The bed has a wooden headboard and there is a wooden nightstand beside it, with minimal lighting creating a cozy atmosphere.

Why Choose Strong Ties Oral Health for Palatal Expansion?

At Strong Ties, we go beyond traditional orthodontics. Led by Dr. Britney Green, DDS, our practice takes an airway-first, whole-person approach to oral health.

That means:

  • We evaluate jaw growth, breathing patterns, and posture, not just teeth

  • We offer gentle, holistic options for kids and adults

  • We collaborate with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, and sleep providers

  • Conveniently located in Apple Valley, MN, serving families across the Twin Cities

  • Most patients feel only mild pressure or tightness during activation. It’s not considered painful.

  • Most cases last 3–6 months, depending on age and expansion needs.

  • Yes! While expansion is easier during childhood, modern techniques like MSE/MARPE allow adults to benefit from this transformative treatment.

  • Sometimes, but often with fewer complications. Expansion creates the space needed for proper alignment, which can reduce the time and intensity of future orthodontic care.

FAQs About Palatal Expansion

Palatal expansion is more than an orthodontic treatment; it’s an investment in better breathing, better sleep, and better development.

Whether you’re a parent looking for answers or an adult seeking jaw and airway support, we’re here to help.

Schedule a Consultation with Strong Ties Oral Health in Apple Valley today.
Let’s uncover the root cause—and help you or your child breathe, sleep, and grow stronger.

Ready to Take the First Step?