A palatal expander is a specialized appliance used to gradually widen your upper jaw by applying gentle, controlled pressure on your upper molars. By correcting jaw width early, we create the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt and improve your bite alignment. Dr. Ron Hessamfar will provide you with thorough instructions on when and how to perform your adjustments. Once you achieve the desired expansion, you will continue wearing the appliance for several months to solidify the result and prevent regression.
Palatal Expander Care Guide
What to Expect With a Palatal Expander
As with many orthodontic appliances, the body requires time to adjust to a palatal expander. During the initial days, you may experience minor temporary side effects:
- Temporary lisp or changes in speech patterns
- Increased saliva production for the first few days
- Tongue soreness or irritation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food particles trapped between the expander and the roof of your mouth
- Slight headaches
- Pressure felt in the back molars, roof of the mouth, and nose area during activation
- Gaps opening between front teeth (a sign the expander is working)
- Unusual bite feeling
Most of these effects are completely normal and will fade within 2 to 5 days. Stick to a soft diet during the first few days to manage any discomfort. The gaps between your front teeth and changes in your bite are also normal signs that the expander is working — these will stabilize towards the end of your treatment period.
How to Clean Your Palatal Expander
Because the palatal expander covers a significant area of the roof of your mouth, food particles can easily get trapped between the appliance and your palate. Keeping this area clean is critical for gum health.
- Rinse after every meal: Forcefully rinse with water between the expander and the roof of your mouth to flush out trapped food.
- Use a Waterpik: A Waterpik is highly recommended for targeted, pressurized cleaning beneath the appliance.
- Brush thoroughly: During your normal brushing routine, clean all areas around the expander, including the metal structure and the adjustment screw.
- Avoid restricted foods: To prevent dislodging or damaging your expander, avoid overly sticky or hard foods.
Foods You CAN Eat
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins
- Grains — pasta, cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Foods to Avoid
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, pretzels
- Sticky foods — caramel candy, gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candy
- Foods requiring hard biting — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
How to Adjust Your Palatal Expander
Dr. Hessamfar will provide you with a special key to perform your adjustments. Periodically turning the expander is what triggers the jaw to widen. This process requires attention and care — rotating incorrectly can prolong treatment time. Dr. Hessamfar will provide clear instructions and give you time to practice in the office.
Step 1
Tip your head back so the expander is clearly visible.
Step 3
Gently push the key toward the back of the mouth until it stops. A new hole will appear.
Step 2
Insert the key into the center hole of the expander firmly.
Step 4
Pull the key down toward the tongue to remove it. You should see the next hole ready for the next adjustment.
Need Help? Contact ABSC Orthodontics
If you have any questions about your adjustments, food choices, or caring for your expander, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is always here to support you at any of our three offices.
