Top Benefits of Dental Expanders & Healthy Start Appliances in Lakeview, Chicago, IL
Proper oral development is critical for children of all ages, which is why it often makes sense to be proactive with early intervention. Using dental expanders for children can make a lasting difference in their overall development, setting them up for a lifetime of beautiful and happy smiles.
If your child needs dental expanders in Lakeview, Chicago, IL, then our experienced team at Re·gen Smile Studio is here to help. These innovative treatments offer an effective method for correcting various oral issues. The proper use of an orthodontics expander guides the child’s teeth and jaw into the best alignment, which minimizes the need for more invasive procedures in the future.

Dental Arch Expander and Other Orthodontic Appliances
When a dentist recommends that your child use an expander for top teeth, the goal is to widen the upper jaw in order to correct common issues such as overcrowding and misalignment. If there isn’t enough room in the child’s mouth for the teeth to grow properly, then it can lead to many dental complications in the future.
The good news is that early intervention with an orthodontic mouth expander creates the necessary space so that teeth can erupt as needed. This treatment promotes optimal bite functionality to reduce the risk of dental misalignments.
This treatment is safe and effective, especially when used for children. Supporting the positioning of the growing jaw helps to align everything in the ideal location within the mouth.
Healthy Start Appliances: What are They?
Other types of dental appliances can also be helpful in childhood, depending on the child’s unique needs. For example, sometimes removable dental appliances (commonly known as a healthy start habit corrector) are recommended to not only move the teeth into alignment, but also to help with the correction of airway issues.
Sometimes, children need a bit of support overcoming poor dental habits early in life, such as mouth breathing or thumb-sucking. These issues can affect dental development, which is why it’s important for parents to be proactive about treating the problems before they lead to complications. A proactive approach with healthy start appliances can prevent more serious orthodontic issues later in life.
Benefits of Dental Expanders in Childhood
The benefits are undeniable: there are many reasons why it makes sense to use a dental jaw expander and/or healthy start appliance for your child.
- Prevent overcrowding
- Improve facial symmetry
- Reduce the need for braces
- Decrease the likelihood of dental surgical procedures
- Encourage proper breathing, which supports overall health
If you suspect that your child might need a mouth spacer for teeth, then reach out to our team at Re·gen Smile Studio to learn more about available treatment options.
Frequent Asked
Questions
Most of the time, dentists recommend that children use dental expanders between the age of 7 – 10 years old. It’s important to implement this treatment while the jaw is still growing.
Children often break the habit within 6 – 12 months of using a Healthy Start appliance.
This treatment is designed to be gentle, helping to minimize discomfort. There might be a little discomfort in the beginning when the child is getting used to wearing dental expanders.
Most dental insurance plans cover these types of treatments. You might have full coverage or partial payment, depending on the details of your plan.
When you are looking for a local dentist, why should you choose Re·gen Smile Studio? Our team brings many years of experience to the treatments that we offer, with services available for the whole family. We are proud to specialize in child-friendly orthodontics solutions, ensuring that your child has a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
For more information about dental expanders or other treatments for children (including nightguards, dental exams, and sealants), call our office to schedule a consultation for your child.