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Re-shaping palatal expander
Rooted in years of research and clinically-proven1, the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System delivers a revolutionary approach to skeletal expansion.
Meet the cutting-edge design of the Invisalign Palatal Expander.
With the Invisalign Palatal Expander System, patients experience more comfort4 and less anxiety:
- Smooth lingual surface for patient comfort.
- Palatal coverage with thickness customized to fit each patient.
- Removal handle feature intended to facilitate insertion and removal.
Redefine the chairside experience for your patients and team.
Simplify your expander delivery and removal appointments with the Invisalign Palatal Expander System.
Intercept a developing problem that could become more serious over time if left untreated.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander clinical scope at a glance.
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Indications for treatment: The system is used for rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal narrow maxilla (upper jaw, dental arch and teeth, palate) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during orthodontic or orthopedic treatment.
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Patient profile: Growing patients or adults (in conjunction with surgery or other interventions when necessary).
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Number of expanders and holders: Unlimited* with a treatment expiration date of 18 months.
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Typical treatment time: About 1 month of active expansion, depending on the severity of the case.
See what your peers are saying about this exciting new way to treat Phase I cases.
The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is more comfortable, and just as effective5.
of surveyed Invisalign trained orthodontists agree that they would recommend Invisalign Palatal Expander System to their colleagues6.
of patients treated with Invisalign Palatal Expanders were compliant wearing the device during the expansion treatment7.
of surveyed Invisalign trained orthodontists agree that kids treated with Invisalign Palatal Expander System experience better quality of life* than those treated with traditional palatal expanders5.
Unlock the power of simplicity.
Deliver a tailored treatment for progressive expansion with a simplified workflow.
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Step 1: Custom 3D-printed expanders and holders are created for each patient based on their unique anatomy, following a simple iTero scan.
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Step 2: Patients progress through a series of removable expanders in small increments.
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Step 3: Once the desired expansion is achieved, Invisalign Palatal holders are replaced every 2-4 weeks to stabilize the palate.
Note: The expanders and holders are kept in place using attachments** that are bonded to the patient's teeth to help retain the appliance securely in place.
Transition seamlessly to Invisalign First™ treatment.
Combined with Invisalign First™ clear aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a full early intervention treatment solution, including both skeletal (orthopedic) and dental (orthodontic) arch expansion. Learn more about Phase I treatment with Invisalign First aligners.
Explore featured case studies.
Together, we’re advancing the way early interceptive treatment is delivered to growing patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions or the complete FAQ guide, please reach out to your Invisalign Representative.
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After stage 0 (passive), each stage is programmed for active expansion, at 0.25 mm of movement per stage.
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Expanders can be replaced daily for rapid expansion or changed less frequently for slow expansion at doctor’s discretion.
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Dental case applicability must be followed. Applicable patients:
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3 stable teeth per quadrant on the upper arch
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At least 4 mm crown height
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First permanent molars (6s)
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First primary molars (Ds) or first premolar (4s)
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Second primary molars (Es) or second premolar (5s)
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Second permanent molars (7s) may be erupted, but the device will not cover them
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Canines (Cs/3s) may be erupted, but the IPE will not cover them
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Might not be applicable:
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Short clinical crowns:
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Lack of device retention or difficulty in attachment bonding may occur on teeth with short clinical crowns (< 4mm) or unstable upper first permanent molars, upper second primary molars, and upper first primary molars.
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Dental restorations:
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Insufficient device retention, excessive force on dental restorations, and/or difficulty in attachment bonding may occur on teeth with stainless steel crowns or other types of dental restorations:
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Patients with stainless steel crowns might be eligible for treatment per doctors discretion (note that the Invisalign First Palatal Expander device will cover these teeth)
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Patients with palatal conditions:
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Exostosis or cleft palate
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Not applicable for treatment:
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missing teeth under the IPE (i.e., D/4’s, E/5’s, and 6’s)
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primary dentition only (i.e., 6’s not erupted yet)
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A series of Invisalign Palatal Expanders is shipped as 1 device per stages. Any additional stages need to be ordered from the prescription form.
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The number of stages is determined by the Doctor based on the clinical goals:
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The number of expander stages are determined based on the desired amount of expansion as specified in the Rx form: each stage is programmed to 0.25mm/day, the max amount of expansion that can be ordered is 12mm. The doctor can stop at expansion at any time based on clinical observation/preference and order Invisalign Palatal Holders. Invisalign Palatal Holders need to be ordered separately in the prescription form.
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The number of holding stages is also determined by the doctor based on the holding duration time period (in weeks). Holder is a copy of the last stage of the expander intended to stabilize the palate after the active expansion, replaced every 2-4 weeks.
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Expanders and holders are shipped separately—holders are manufactured after the desired active expansion is reached and the doctor had specified in the Rx form at what stage to start a holding phase.
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Patients do not have to remove the devices for eating or drinking. However, it is recommended to rinse the mouth thoroughly after each meal.
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Caution: Chewing hard, sticky or sugary food (including chewing gum) may damage the device and/or the patient’s teeth and should be avoided. Drinking sugary or acidic drinks may damage the patient’s teeth and should be avoided.
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Patients should brush and floss their teeth before inserting the device. If they don’t have access to a toothbrush, they can simply rinse their mouth, and clean their devices by holding them running water.
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Patients should not throw away the original bags as they will be used to store the used devices.
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Note: Doctors should evaluate whether a particular patient should remove the device while eating (consider the patient’s age and ability to remove and reinsert the device) and should advise patients and supervising adults to follow proper oral hygiene and the use and care instructions. Doctors should refer patients to Patient Use and Care Instructions. A hard copy can be requested through Invisalign Doctor Site “Support tab”
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Based on current business process applicability, Align Technology, Inc. currently accepts scans using commercially available iTero digital intraoral scanners only (offered by Align Technology, Ltd.). No 3rd party scans / PVS impressions are accepted. Please refer to iTero scanner user manual for complete instructions for use.
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When scanning for palatal expansion treatment, your scans must capture the palate, gingiva, and crown surfaces.
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All iTero-branded digital intraoral scanners can be used with the Invisalign Palatal Expander System. Please check the iTero website or contact customer support for a list of scanners available in your market.
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Based on data from a multi-site US Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study (n=29 subjects, ages 7-10 years) of expansion treatment with Invisalign® Palatal Expanders. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 5, 2023.
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Based on the survey in August 2023 in CAN of 10 Invisalign trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment and have treated at least 1 patient age 6-11 years with IPE. Data on file at Align Technology, as of October 30, 2023.
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Based on 8/23 survey from 10 Invisalign-trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment in CAN. Data on file 10/30/23
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Based on the survey in August 2023 in CAN of 10 Invisalign trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment and have treated at least 1 patient age 6-11 years with IPE, who responded to the question: “Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: The Invisalign® Palatal Expander System is comfortable for my patients to wear as there is no metal or screw to turn when compared to traditional palatal expanders (such as Schwartz, Hyrax, etc.)”. Agreement scale is 1-4 with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 4 being “strongly agree”.
Data on file at Align Technology, as of October 30, 2023.
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Based on the survey in August 2023 in CAN of 10 Invisalign trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment and have treated at least 1 patient age 6-11 years with IPE, who responded to the question: “Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: Patients treated with the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System experience better quality of life than those patients treated with traditional palatal expanders (such as Schwartz, Hyrax, etc.)”. Agreement scale is 1-4 with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 4 being “strongly agree”. Data on file at Align Technology, as of October 30, 2023
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Based on the survey in August 2023 in CAN of 10 Invisalign trained orthodontists who participated in the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System Technical Design Assessment and have treated at least 1 patient age 6-11 years with IPE, who responded to the question: “Please indicate your agreement with the following statement: I would recommend the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System to my colleagues.” Agreement scale is 1-4 with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 4 being “strongly agree”. Data on file at Align Technology, as of October 30, 2023.
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Based on doctor feedback during study monitoring of a multi-site US IDE clinical study (n=29 subjects, ages 7-10 years) of expansion treatment with Invisalign® Palatal Expanders. Data on file at Align Technology, as of September 5, 2023
*Review Invisalign Palatal Expander System Pricing Terms and Conditions for full details.
** Attachment materials not included in the system.
