A palate expander is used for a variety of reasons. Growing patients may need an expander to widen their upper jaw to make room for permanent teeth, improve their upper and lower jaw alignments, or enhance the look of their smile.
Be sure to use a well-lit area to perform the turns. Firmly gripping the blue key, carefully insert the key into the hole that is in the middle of the expander. Push the key in gently and steadily from the front of your mouth to the back. It is normal to feel some resistance while turning. The next hole will move into position as you complete the turn. Push gently on the key toward your throat to remove the key.
Keep in mind, after turning the expander, you should not feel any pain. If you feel any pain or discomfort, be sure to contact our office for what the next steps should be.
It is essential to understand that every case is different, so the number and frequency of your turns will depend on the treatment recommended by Dr. King. It is also crucial to only turn the expander once a day. If you miss a day, don’t worry, and don’t try to make up for it by adding an extra turn to the next day.
In most cases, patients will wear their expander for 4-6 months and should continue to brush and use a water syringe to effectively remove food debris. If you need more information on how to turn your expander, contact King Orthodontics today!