301-532-7851
301-532-7851

Palatal Expanders
Precision-Fabricated Arch Expansion Appliances

CIT Dental Lab fabricates custom palatal expanders for orthodontists and general dentists across the Eastern United States who need a reliable lab partner for arch expansion appliance fabrication. Whether your protocol calls for a fixed rapid palatal expander (RPE), a tooth-borne or tissue-borne design, or a removable expansion appliance, CIT fabricates each expander to your precise specifications with the accuracy and consistency that orthodontic treatment planning demands. Free 2-way shipping on every palatal expander case.

Palatal Expander Types Available at CIT

  • Haas Expander: Tissue-borne + tooth-borne hybrid design; acrylic pads contact the palate for bone-level expansion force; fixed appliance cemented to molar bands; the traditional RPE design
  • Hyrax Expander (Hygenic Rapid Expander): Fully tooth-borne; all-metal jackscrew design with no tissue contact; easier hygiene maintenance than Haas; the most commonly prescribed fixed RPE
  • Schwarz Plate: Removable palatal expansion appliance; uses a jackscrew mechanism; suitable for dental arch expansion in growing patients; requires patient compliance
  • Fan Expander: Anterior-focused expansion; opens primarily in the premolar region; used for cases requiring localized anterior arch widening

Clinical Features

  • Narrow maxillary arch requiring expansion before or during orthodontic treatment
  • Posterior crossbite correction in growing patients
  • Arch length deficiency management as an alternative to premolar extraction
  • Class III correction combined with reverse-pull facemask therapy
  • Arch development in adolescent patients with suture flexibility

Our Customers

"CIT has become a dependable partner for our practice. Their crown and bridge work consistently demonstrates excellent fit, natural-looking esthetics, and close attention to the details provided in our prescriptions. Just as importantly, their team is responsive and easy to work with whenever a case requires additional planning"
Donaldson DDS
""What stands out about Commander In Teeth is the level of personal service they provide. From submitting digital scans to discussing more complicated restorative cases, communication is always clear and professional. We feel confident knowing that their technicians understand both the clinical and esthetic demands of each case."
B yong, D.M.D.
"We have trusted CIT with a wide range of cases, including implants, removables, and everyday restorative work. The quality is consistent, the team is accessible, and they make a genuine effort to help us achieve the best possible result for every patient. CIT feels less like an outside laboratory and more like an extension of our practice."
Michael Melkers

Frequently Asked Questions

Palatal expansion is most effective while the midpalatal suture is still open typically until the mid-teens in females and slightly later in males. In younger children (ages 6–12), expansion is faster and more predictable. In older adolescents, expansion is still possible but may require more force and longer retention. In adults (18+), skeletal expansion with a conventional RPE is largely ineffective, and surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) or mini-implant-assisted expansion may be required.
Active expansion typically takes 2–4 weeks of turning for a rapid palatal expander. The appliance is then left in passively for a retention period of 6–12 months to allow bone fill across the opened midpalatal suture before removal. Removing the expander too early results in relapse.
Submit accurate alginate or PVS upper arch impressions, molar band impressions (if applicable), and your expander prescription specifying the appliance type, screw activation range, and any specific design requirements. Contact our lab team if you have questions about impression technique for your specific expander design.
Yes — free 2-way shipping on every CIT appliance case with no minimums.

Ready to Upgrade Your Lab Partner?

Request palatal expander pricing from CIT free 2-way shipping, precise fabrication.
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