A palatal expander in a child is designed to comfortably widen the upper jaw. In an adult, a palatal expander is used in combination with jaw surgery, which together, accomplish the same widening of the upper jaw.
It is going to be strange the first few times that you eat. Food will get up all around the palatal expander screw in the middle. Just relax and keep eating. You can brush all of that away, later.
The key that we gave you fits into the palatal expander appliance screw to activate it like we showed you.
The key is put into the appliance and moved backward to turn the expansion screw. Turn the key backward as far as it will go so that the key can be put into the appliance for the next turn.
As you remove the key, do not pull forward. The key is removed with gentle pressure by pushing backwards, farther into the mouth. If you pull forward, you will unturn the expander’s screw and deactivate it.
You should see the next day’s hole when you are done. If you do not see the next day’s hole in front, then you unturned the expander and today’s hole is aiming down towards the tongue. You need to find that downward facing hole and put your key back in, then finish the turn all the way back and remove the key towards the back of the mouth the correct way.
Please turn the expansion screw with the key once a day, unless you were told otherwise.
Too many turns may cause discomfort. Don’t worry about missing a turn on a day or two. We look at what is needed in the mouth, not how many turns were done.
Mild discomfort or a feeling of tightness in the upper jaw or between the eyes is not unusual, but should go away within a few hours after the activation. If it still hurts when you are going to do the next turn, just skip it and do another one tomorrow
If discomfort, pain or dizziness persists, stop turning the appliance and call the clinic.
A space should open between the upper front teeth during the first few weeks as the appliance widens the palate. Do not be alarmed, as this is an expected change. The space will get smaller or disappear once we tell you to stop turning the palatal expander screw.
Please use your toothbrush to clean all of the teeth and the appliance, too. With good oral hygiene, you will protect against cavities and gum disease.
Keep regular appointments. We need to see how your expander is working in your mouth, how your bite looks. At those appointments, we will tell you if you need more turns or not.
The appliance usually needs to stay in for three months after we tell you to stop turning it.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us.
Thanks,
Dr. McCoy and staff
