Palatal Expander

Preventing crowding and making space for teeth to come in naturally, plus step-by-step adjustment instructions for home.

The Appliance

How a Palatal Expander Works

The palatal expander "expands" (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. It's most often used in growing patients as part of early treatment, where it can correct crossbites and relieve crowding by creating more room in the dental arch, often lessening the time needed in braces later.

Once you achieve the desired expansion, you'll wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and prevent regression. Dr. Brieden will tell you exactly when and how often to adjust your expander; the steps below show you how.

At-Home Adjustments

Adjusting Your Expander, Step by Step

Adjust only as often as Dr. Brieden has instructed. Each animation below shows exactly what the step looks like.

  1. Animation of step 1: tipping the patient's head back in a well-lit area
    Step 1

    Get in Position

    In a well-lit area, tip the patient's head back.

  2. Animation of step 2: placing the key firmly into the expander hole
    Step 2

    Insert the Key

    Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.

  3. Animation of step 3: pushing the key toward the back of the mouth until the new hole appears
    Step 3

    Turn Toward the Back

    Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You'll notice the fender rotate, and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.

  4. Animation of step 4: pressing back and down toward the tongue to remove the key
    Step 4

    Remove the Key

    Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key.

Prefer a printout for the fridge? Download these instructions as a printable PDF.

Not sure about an adjustment, or something feel off? Don't force it. Call our New Baltimore or East China office during hours, or after hours, text us at 810-334-9005.

Wondering if Your Child Needs an Expander?

An evaluation around age 7 lets Dr. Brieden catch narrow-jaw problems while they're easiest to correct. Schedule a consultation at our New Baltimore or East China office.

Request an Appointment