Expanders

What to Expect With an Expander

• A temporary lisp or slurred speech.
• Excess saliva for a few days.
• Possible initial difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• Pressure on teeth, palate, and nose after adjustments
• Temporary irritation of the tongue
• Possible headache
• A slight change in facial appearance
• The bite may feel “off”
• Certain foods will catch on the expander
• A temporary space will appear between the upper front teeth as expansion progresses.

*With discomfort, use a mild, over-the-counter pain reliever.

These are normal and expected effects of a rapid palatal expander and are not reasons to remove the expander prematurely.

Expanding the Palate

• Have the child lie on his or her back with their head at the edge of a bed or over the arm of a sofa. Use adequate lighting from a bright lamp or flashlight.
• Opening as wide as possible will minimize the gag reflex.
• Place the key in the center hole and turn in the direction of the arrows that are on the expander.
• Turn the expander toward the back of the mouth until you can see the next hole.
• Carefully remove the key in a down-and-back direction. Caution: Be very careful not to “unturn” the expander when removing the key.
• Be sure to follow the doctor’s instructions as to how often to turn the expander.
• Try to make the adjustments at about the same time each day.

Diet and Cleaning Your Expander

• Maintain a soft diet for the first few days after receiving the expander.
• Avoid popcorn and hard or sticky foods, like caramel and taffy, that may dislodge the expander.
• Brush thoroughly after meals to keep the expander free of food and plaque.