Facial Asymmetry Treatment & Palatal Expander Cost in Calgary
Quick Takeaways
Mild facial asymmetry is normal. It's worth checking when it's noticeable, getting worse, or comes with jaw pain, a crossbite, mouth breathing, or snoring.
The cause decides the treatment. Tongue posture, breathing habits, jaw growth, and muscle imbalance all call for different fixes.
Palatal expander cost in Canada is roughly $1,000–$3,500 for a child's expander and $3,000–$8,000+ for adult MARPE. Full adult expansion with braces can reach $12,000+
Children respond fastest. The upper jaw is easiest to widen before the midpalatal suture fuses, usually in the early-to-mid teens.
Start with a craniofacial evaluation. At BreatheWell Sleep and Airway in SW Calgary, we look at your jaw, bite, airway, and muscle function together, then build the plan with your orthodontist when needed.
What Is Facial Asymmetry?
Facial asymmetry means one side of the face is shaped differently from the other. Nobody is perfectly symmetrical, and small differences are expected. When the difference is clear, it often shows up as a jaw that shifts to one side, a chin that sits off-centre, uneven cheeks, or a smile that tilts.
For many Calgary patients, asymmetry isn't only about looks. It can be tied to how you breathe, chew, swallow, and sleep. That's why we assess it as a whole-system issue, not a cosmetic one.
Common Causes of Facial Asymmetry
Narrow upper jaw (palate): A narrow palate can cause a crossbite, forcing the lower jaw to shift sideways to close. Over years of growth, that shift can shape the face.
Mouth breathing: Chronic mouth breathing lowers the tongue away from the palate. Without the tongue's outward pressure, the upper jaw can develop narrow and high. Our breathing re-education program targets this habit directly.
Low tongue posture or tongue tie: A restricted tongue can't rest on the palate. We assess this and, when appropriate, offer tongue tie release.
Muscle imbalance: Chewing on one side, clenching, or an enlarged masseter muscle can make one side of the lower face look fuller.
Jaw joint (TMJ) changes and skeletal growth differences: Some asymmetry comes from how the jaw bones themselves developed.
How a Craniofacial Evaluation Guides Facial Asymmetry Treatment
The right treatment depends on the cause, so the first step is finding it. A craniofacial evaluation in Calgary with Dr. Saleema Adatia looks at:
Jaw alignment and bite: overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Tongue and lip posture at rest and during swallowing.
Airway structure and function, including signs of mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
Facial growth patterns, which matter most in children.
Muscle tension in the jaw, face, and neck.
You leave with a clear explanation of what's driving the asymmetry and a personalized plan. When expansion or orthodontics is the right move, we work alongside your orthodontist so everyone treats the same root cause.
Facial Asymmetry Treatment Options
Palatal expansion: Widens a narrow upper jaw to correct crossbites and give the tongue room. It's often the key step when a sideways jaw shift is the cause.
Myofunctional therapy: Exercises that retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. It helps results last and supports nasal breathing.
Therapeutic Botox: Can relax an overactive masseter muscle linked to clenching, which may soften muscle-driven asymmetry.
Orthodontics: Braces or aligners fine-tune the bite after expansion.
Surgical correction: Reserved for significant skeletal asymmetry in adults, planned with an oral surgeon.
How Much Does a Palatal Expander Cost in Canada?
Palatal expander cost in Canada varies by age, appliance type, and whether it's part of a larger orthodontic plan. Typical ranges quoted by Canadian clinics:
Treatment | Typical cost (CAD) | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
Child palatal expander (appliance only) | $1,000–$3,500 | Kids roughly 6–14 |
Adult MARPE (mini-implant assisted expander) | $3,000–$8,000 | Teens and adults with a fused suture |
Adult expansion + full orthodontics | Approx. $12,000 | Adults needing expansion and braces |
For reference, Your fee depends on your plan, so treat these as ballpark figures.
What affects the price: appliance type, whether mini-implants are needed, how long treatment runs, follow-up orthodontics, and imaging such as a 3D CBCT scan.
Insurance: Many Alberta dental plans include orthodontic coverage with a lifetime maximum, and children's plans often cover part of an expander. Coverage varies widely, so we recommend requesting a pre-determination from your insurer. Our sleep apnea cost and insurance page explains how coverage works for airway-related care.
Why Early Evaluation Matters for Calgary Kids
In children, the two halves of the palate are joined by a suture that hasn't fused yet. That makes expansion simpler, faster, and less costly than in adults. Catching a narrow palate early can support better jaw growth, nasal breathing, and facial balance for life.
Watch for mouth breathing, snoring, a crossbite, crowded teeth, or a chin that shifts when your child bites down. If you notice these, it's a good time to book an evaluation.
Book a Craniofacial Evaluation in Calgary
BreatheWell Sleep and Airway is located inside Symmetry Dental at #150, 10601 Southport Road SW, Calgary. We serve families across Calgary, including Southwood, Haysboro, Acadia, Lake Bonavista, and Willow Park.
Not sure if breathing is part of the picture? Request an appointment online. You can also call (403) 225-4459.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can facial asymmetry be fixed without surgery? Often, yes. Asymmetry driven by a narrow palate, crossbite, tongue posture, or muscle imbalance often improves with expansion, orthodontics, myofunctional therapy, or therapeutic Botox. Surgery is usually reserved for significant skeletal asymmetry in adults.
How much does a palatal expander cost in Canada? A child's expander typically costs $1,000–$3,500. Adult MARPE usually runs $3,000–$8,000+, and full adult expansion with braces can reach $12,000–$15,000+. Your fee depends on your treatment plan.
Does insurance cover a palatal expander in Alberta? Many plans with orthodontic coverage pay part of the cost, up to a lifetime maximum. Ask your insurer for a pre-determination before treatment starts.
What age is best for a palatal expander? Expansion is simplest between about ages 7 and 14, before the palate's midline suture fuses. Adults can still expand with mini-implant (MARPE) or surgically assisted options.
Can mouth breathing cause facial asymmetry? It can contribute. Mouth breathing lowers tongue posture, which can lead to a narrow upper jaw and a crossbite that shifts the lower jaw to one side.
What happens at a craniofacial evaluation at BreatheWell? Dr. Adatia reviews your history and assesses your bite, jaw alignment, tongue and lip posture, airway, and muscle tension. You get a clear explanation and a personalized plan, coordinated with your orthodontist if needed.
Do I need a referral? No referral is required to book. Dentists and physicians can also refer patients through our referrals page.
