Maxillary Expander

Congratulations, you are the lucky recipient of an EXPANDER

Expansion creates space for the eruption of the permanent teeth and corrects crossbites. The EXPANDER takes the two halves of the upper jaw (maxilla) and separates them. Once separated, bone will slowly fill the gap and stabilize the expansion.

Your EXPANDER will be activated based on the specific instructions provided by the doctor, typically starting with 1 turn every night for a duration of 3-5 weeks. The EXPANDER will remain cemented in for a minimum OF 7 MONTHS to stabilize the expansion. Braces will be placed 6-12 weeks into treatment if needed.

This sheet is provided to give you information on how to activate your EXPANDER, hygiene instructions, and what to expect. If you have other questions or problems, please call the office.

Activation

We recommend activating the appliance at bedtime so by the next morning, the pressure from the turn is gone. If you forget one night, don’t worry, just turn the next night! Do not do more than 1 turn a day. Keep track of how many turns have been completed.

1. You will be given a key to activate the EXPANDER.
2. Place the key in the anterior hole of the appliance, towards the front teeth. The white circle on key should be facing the patient’s right side. The key should feel secure in the appliance.
3. There is an etched arrow in the appliance pointing down in the direction the key should be pushed, towards the throat.
4. Push key completely towards back of mouth until it stops. You will feel a slight click and the next hole can be seen fully in front of appliance.
5. Remove the key carefully towards the back of throat and be sure not to pull the key up when removing. You want to be able to see the new hole at the front of the appliance.

Hygiene

• Brush the appliance, including the metal bars & screw, in the same way you brush your teeth. Many patients find Waterpiks to be helpful.
• When you are unable to brush after eating, swish water around in your mouth to help dislodge any food particles.
• Warm salt water rinses and using Orajel/Brace Relief gel can help with gum soreness

What can I eat?

• At first, eating will be difficult. Take small bites & eat soft foods (avocados, cottage cheese, smoothies) until this is overcome (usually a few days to a week).
• After that, you should be able to eat almost everything you did before with some exceptions including sticky, hard, and crunchy foods. –Popcorn (BIG NO-NO), sticky and chewy foods like starburst, chewy granola bars, and hard foods like nuts and ice.

You will notice several things as the Expander does its job.

Speech: Your speech will be slightly affected at first. This is not permanent & the best way to get used to this is to speak aloud as much as possible; try reading or singing out loud.

Soreness/Sensations: Your teeth may be sore for the first few days. To help, take what you would normally take for a headache (ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

Pressure or tingling of the mouth, tongue, cheeks & nose are normal. Your bite will feel off as the width of your palate changes and the palate expands. The teeth may not fit together properly. For now, this is normal.

Space between your front teeth: Although this is a good sign from the standpoint of your treatment, it can be disheartening from a cosmetic point of view. By the time you stop turning the EXPANDER, the space may look large enough to fit another tooth. This space is good and it may close on its own in a few months, or we will close it with braces.

Potential Trouble and Problems: Please turn the appliance as instructed. STOP TURNING AFTER THE DIRECTED TURNS AND WEEKS. DO NOT do more turns than directed. At your next appointment, you will be told if your expansion is completed or needs to continue. The most common problem we see with the EXPANDER is an incomplete activation where the key cannot be seated for the next activation. You should see the next hole completely in the EXPANDER when the key is removed. We are here to help should any problems arise.

If the EXPANDER ever feels loose or wiggly (the bands should be cemented and not moving on the teeth), please call to have the appliance re-cemented. You should carefully follow the food list and avoid sticky, hard foods. *If the EXPANDER comes out completely, please call our office and bring it with you to your appointment.