(Orthodontics) Palate expander for teenager

[SomersetBrie]

I've searched through old threads on this but wonder if anyone has recent experience.
DS is 16 and starting orthodontic treatment (thanks, Covid). He's been reading about palate expanders and wants to bring it up at his next appointment.

I wonder if anyone has experience of this, in younger or older teens, how it went and what it cost.

It looks at the moment like he'd need teeth out and a brace but we'll find out for sure next week.

my 15 year old daughter currently has a expander, she has had it for about 6 months and it has worked well and she is having her braces fitted at her next appointment.
We were initially a bit worried as both thought the idea of it sounded horrific but in reality it has been really easy. She takes it out to brush her teeth and clean it but otherwise keeps it in all the time. We had to turn it twice a week and that has been easier than anticipated as well, it comes with a key which you put in and push up which expands it.
I don't know about the cost as it is part of her NHS treatment, orthodontist says it might mean that she doesn't need any teeth removing.

Thank you.
Can I ask what the issue was that she qualified for it on the NHS?

I don't think DS is bad enough, but the x-ray showed enough issues to think he'd need something. He still has two baby teeth I think and his lower teeth are a bit of a jumble.

DD had one as she had an underbite. Life changing she could breath through her nose properly afterwards, stopped her recurrent tonsillitis.

Thank you for your thoughts.