Can you use a palatal expander at the same time as Invisalign?

Question

Can you use a palatal expander, like Homeobloc, at the same time as invisalign? Is there some reason this is a good idea or not a good idea?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hi there,I have never done this before, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that a crafty orthodontist somewhere has done it.  This would definitely be unconventional and difficult to do.  I would recommend using one device at a time.  It seems that using both at once would require some manipulation of the Invisalign aligners, which I believe would compromise the integrity of the Invisalign device.  Good luck to you and if you have more questions of me, just click the "follow" button in my profile.  Bye-bye

Keith B. Wong, DDS, MS · Answer

Invisalign aligners need to conform to the crowns of the teeth to 1) effect tooth movements, and 2) to stay on the teeth.  The palatal expanders that most orthodontists use need to be connected via bands around teeth or by large surfaces that are bonded to the chewing surface of teeth, making the simultaneous wear of aligners impractical.I often use palatal expansion devices directly prior to Invisalign aligner treatment, in cases that would benefit from them, however.  This allows the lateral transverse dimension of the upper arch to be increased predictably and much more quickly than using the aligners to do this (thus, the overall treatment length is reduced).  In other cases, I will use the aligners to do this expansion.  Each case has many factors to consider.The main point:  Invisalign aligner treatment can be supplemented with other treatment modalities in many cases to improve outcomes and reduce treatment length.

Can you use a palatal expander at the same time as Invisalign?

Answers (2)

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