About Your Palatal 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. After your palate expands, you’ll wear your appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Adjusting Your Palatal Expander
Step 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.
Step 2
Place the key in the hole until it’s firmly in place.
Step 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You’ll notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The fender will stop rotating when the key meets the back of the expander.
Step 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
