What is the definition or description of: palate expander?

Palatal Expander: A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better. http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/palatal+expander.

Orthodontic device.: A palatal expander is a device used in orthodontic treatment to widen the arch of bone holding the upper teeth to aid in straightening and getting the teeth to meet correctly. It is attached to the teeth and is adjusted by turning a tiny screw to slowly widen the arch.

Orthodontic device: This is a device placed by an orthodontist to expand the maxillary arch by means of slowly pushing the two parts of palate apart. It is cemented onto the teeth via orthodontic bands and the screw that causes the separation is moved by a parent/adult usually twice a day for couple of weeks.

Mechanical device: It is an intra-oral mechanical device used to widen the upper jaw. It ususlly requires an increase in the outward pressure daily/weekly using a type of key or wrench. Popular with young children to effect the widening as they grow, and get the bones guided into place. Later in life it is more difficult, because the bones are no longer growing. Great for early intervention.

Orthodontic devise: A palatal expander, also known as a rapid palatal expander, rapid maxillary expansion appliance, palate expander or orthodontic expander, is used to widen the upper jaw so that the bottom and upper teeth will fit together better.

Orthopedic appliance: It's an appliance that can be activated to make the palate (roof of the mouth) wider. It works by separating the two halves of the palate at the suture ( in growing patients the suture has not been fused yet). This appliance is usually fixed (glued in). It could also be removable but it needs to be worn full time. It needs to stay in place until bone has filled in at the suture.