Sometimes the best way to correct a bad bite is with a palatal expander, a device that fits in the roof of the mouth to exert gentle outward pressure and gradually widen the palate.
Crowded upper teeth or a crossbite are indicators that a palatal expander may be an appropriate early intervention to give the adult teeth enough room to come in properly.
A palatal expander is best installed before your bones completely fuse, which normally happens between ages 14 - 16. Attached to the upper teeth, the expander has a screw device in the center for increasing the tension little by little, nudging the upper jaw out.
Either the patient or a parent can use the expander’s special key to make the necessary daily adjustments—the illustrations below show how. (You can also download the instructions in a printable PDF document.)
A palatal expander is usually worn for two to six months in order to achieve and reinforce the desired realignment.
As the palate widens, a gap will likely be created in the front teeth. This may close on its own in time, but if not it can be corrected with various types of braces.
Step 1
In a well-lighted area, tip the head back.
Step 2
Insert the key firmly in the center keyhole.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth to rotate the expander’s center piece until the next keyhole appears and the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
To remove the key, press it back and down toward the tongue.
Please contact us with any questions you have.
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