Turning Your Expander

The palatal expander “expands” (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. The animation below will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander (fixed expander, NOT removable; these are adjusted outside the mouth).

When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

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.

Step 3

Pushing the key toward the back of the mouth, you will notice the screw will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.

Step 4

By pushing back and down toward the tongue, remove the key. DO NOT bring the key back toward the front of the mouth, because this may reverse your turn. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.

palatal expanderView palatal expander animation »

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