Can Adults Get Palate Expanders?

Yes, adults can undergo palate expansion—but the approach differs significantly from children's treatment. In children, the mid-palatal suture (the joint between the two halves of the upper jaw) is still flexible, allowing non-surgical expansion. In adults, this suture typically fuses by the late teens or early twenties, making expansion more complex.

At Curve Orthodontics in Haralur Road, Bangalore, Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides honest assessment of adult palatal expansion options. We'll evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate approach—whether that's surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE), non-surgical expansion for suitable candidates, or alternative treatments if expansion isn't the best solution.

Adult jaw widening can address narrow upper jaws, crossbites, crowding, and even breathing issues—but understanding the realistic options and expectations is essential before proceeding.

Understanding SARPE: Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

What is SARPE?

SARPE is a procedure that combines a minor surgical intervention with a palatal expander to achieve significant jaw widening in adults. Because the mid-palatal suture has fused in adults, a surgeon first weakens the bone along the suture line, allowing the expander to separate the two halves of the palate.

How SARPE Works

1. Surgical Phase: An oral surgeon performs a minor procedure under local or general anesthesia to release the fused suture. This involves small incisions inside the mouth—no external scarring.

2. Expander Activation: After a brief healing period (usually 5-7 days), you begin turning the expander just like a child would—typically once or twice daily.

3. Active Expansion: Over 2-4 weeks, the jaw gradually widens. A gap often appears between the front teeth—this is expected and temporary.

4. Stabilization: The expander stays in place for 3-6 months while new bone fills the expanded space.

5. Follow-up Treatment: Most patients then proceed with braces or aligners to close the front gap and align individual teeth.

SARPE: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Achieves significant expansion (8-12mm possible)
• Predictable results in skeletally mature adults
• Can improve breathing and nasal airflow
• Avoids more extensive jaw surgery

Considerations:

• Requires surgical procedure with recovery time
• Temporary swelling and discomfort post-surgery
• Higher cost than non-surgical options
• Not suitable for all adult cases

Non-Surgical Options for Adults

When Non-Surgical Expansion May Work

Some adults—particularly those in their late teens or early twenties—may still have partial flexibility in their mid-palatal suture. For these patients, non-surgical approaches might produce modest expansion:

Slow Maxillary Expansion

• Gentler, slower expansion over months rather than weeks
• May produce 2-4mm of expansion in suitable candidates
• Lower risk than SARPE but less predictable results

Miniscrew-Assisted Expansion (MSE/MARPE)

• Temporary mini-implants anchor the expander to bone rather than teeth
• Can sometimes achieve expansion without surgery in younger adults
• Success depends on individual bone density and suture status

Realistic Expectations

Non-surgical adult expansion has limitations:

• Results are less predictable than in children
• Amount of expansion is typically smaller
• Some adults simply cannot expand non-surgically
• Tooth tipping may occur rather than true skeletal expansion

During your consultation, we'll honestly assess whether non-surgical expansion is realistic for your case.

Who is a Candidate for Adult Palate Expansion?

Good Candidates for SARPE:

• Adults with significantly narrow upper jaw relative to lower jaw
• Crossbite affecting multiple teeth
• Severe crowding where expansion could avoid extractions
• Breathing difficulties related to narrow nasal passages
• Adults who understand and accept the surgical component

May Consider Non-Surgical Options:

• Young adults (late teens to early twenties) with potential suture flexibility
• Cases requiring only modest expansion (2-4mm)
• Patients willing to accept uncertain outcomes

When Expansion May Not Be Recommended:

• Cases where extraction-based treatment would give equivalent results more simply
• Patients with medical conditions affecting healing
• Minor narrowness better addressed by other orthodontic mechanics
• Cases where jaw surgery would be needed anyway for other reasons

The Adult Palate Expansion Journey

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment Dr. Garima evaluates your jaw structure, bite, and treatment goals. CBCT (3D) imaging helps assess the mid-palatal suture and determine which approach is appropriate.

Step 2: Treatment Planning If SARPE is recommended, we'll coordinate with an oral surgeon and explain the entire process. For non-surgical approaches, we'll discuss realistic expectations.

Step 3: Procedure & Expansion For SARPE, surgical release is followed by expander activation over 2-4 weeks. Non-surgical approaches involve longer, gentler expansion protocols.

Step 4: Stabilization The expander remains in place 3-6 months while new bone consolidates.

Step 5: Follow-up Orthodontics Most patients require braces or aligners after expansion to close gaps and align individual teeth for a complete result.