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.
