A palatal expander is a common and highly effective orthodontic appliance that we use to create more space in a child’s upper jaw. Think of it as making room for a beautiful, healthy smile! It’s most often used for growing patients to correct issues like crossbites and crowding, often simplifying future treatment.
How Does It Work?
The expander applies gentle pressure to the upper molars each time you make a small adjustment at home. This gradually widens the upper jaw. It’s a slow and steady process that works in harmony with your child’s natural growth. Once the desired expansion is achieved, your child will continue to wear the appliance for several months. This gives the bone time to solidify in its new,
How to Adjust Your Expander
Adjusting the expander might seem strange at first, but we promise it’s a quick and easy process! We will show you exactly how to do it in our office, and you can follow these simple steps at home.
Get Ready: In a well-lit area, have your child tip their head back so you can see the expander clearly.
Insert the Key: Place the special key firmly into the hole in the center of the expander.
Turn the Key: Gently push the key toward the back of the mouth until it can’t go any further. You will see the screw rotate and a new hole will appear.
Remove the Key: Carefully remove the key by pushing it back and down toward the tongue. The new hole should now be visible and ready for the next adjustment.
What to Expect
Your child may feel a little pressure on their teeth or on the roof of their mouth for a few minutes after each adjustment—this is normal and a sign that it’s working! It’s also common to see a small gap appear between the front teeth. This is a great sign and means the jaw is expanding properly. We will close this gap later in treatment.
Our team is always here to help. If you ever have any questions or trouble with your expander, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!