Is it safe to get braces and a palate expander at the same time?

Yes: This is not unheard of however if you are concerned discuss this with your orthodontist.

Yes, but where?: It is common to have lower braces working whilst an expander is used to widen the palate. It is a major mistake however to have upper braces with a wire crossing the midline. In that case the braces work against expansion, and would really hurt!

Yes: Palatal expander is used to expand your palate, widening the arch. Often the molar tubes with bracket can be welded into the molar band of the expander and then the entire expander and be used as anchorage to move teeth and unraveled crowding. Movement of the teeth into occlusion will allow for the stability of the arch upon removal of the expander.

Qualified: In the hands of a qualified orthodontic specialist, yes. As this is fairly sophisticated treatment, i would recommend that you not see anyone other than an orthodontist for care.