Palatal Expander
At Swearingen Orthodontics, we focus on early and effective orthodontic treatments to ensure optimal jaw development. A Palatal Expander helps widen the upper jaw, correcting bite issues and creating space for proper tooth alignment.
Palatal Expander
At Swearingen Orthodontics, we focus on early and effective orthodontic treatments to ensure optimal jaw development. A Palatal Expander helps widen the upper jaw, correcting bite issues and creating space for proper tooth alignment.
Why is My Child Being Treated With an Expander?
The upper jaw is normally slightly wider than the lower jaw. This allows the upper teeth to guide the cheek away from the teeth and prevent cheek biting. It also allows for proper function of the teeth during chewing and speaking. When the top jaw is smaller than the lower jaw a crossbite occurs.
How Does the Expander Work and What Should I Expect?
Often the expander is turned every night or every other night (Please follow the instructions given to you by Dr. Kyla).
If you forget to do a turn do NOT give extra turns to “catch-up.” Just continue to follow the prescribed schedule
Stop turning the appliance after you have completed the number of turns recommended by Dr. Kyla.
You may experience some pressure after turning the appliance. This is normal and will subside quickly.
You may start to see a space opening between your front teeth – this is a good sign that the appliance is working!
Make sure to brush all around the appliance and swish with water after eating to loosen any food stuck around it. A Waterpik can be a great tool also!
Avoid very sticky foods (gum, caramel, taffy, etc) which may loosen the expander.
If the expander feels loose please call our office and stop turning the appliance.
How Long Does My Child Need to Wear the Expander?
The expander will be turned until the upper arch becomes wider than the lower arch. Then the expander screw will be stabilized and the appliance will now be a passive retainer for the expansion that was just achieved during the active stage of treatment. This stabilization stage will last about 3 to 6 months and allows the bone to remodel. Then the expander will then be removed.
Can we do the Expander Later, When My Child is a Teenager?
Orthopedic jaw change can only be accomplished in younger, growing patients. Early intervention ensures proper jaw development, preventing more complex orthodontic issues in the future. Timely treatment can also improve overall facial symmetry and function.
Palatal Expander Instructions
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place. There is abend in the key to prevent you from inserting the key too far. So don’t worry you won’t “poke” the patient.
Step 3
Pushing the key towards the back of the mouth, you will notice the wheel in the expander will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.