Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is a custom orthodontic appliance used to widen a narrow upper jaw. It works by putting gentle, constant pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made, helping to correct crossbites and create vital space for crowded permanent teeth.

To adjust the expander, have the patient tilt their head back in a well-lit area. Insert the special key firmly into the expansion hole, push the key steadily toward the back of the mouth until the cylinder rotates and the next hole fully appears, then carefully press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key.

You should avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods that can get caught in or bend the appliance framework. This includes caramel, taffy, gummy candy, hard nuts, and ice cubes. It is also helpful to cut hard fruits and vegetables (like apples and carrots) into small, bite-sized pieces rather than biting directly into them.

Yes. Widening a narrow upper jaw simultaneously widens the floor of the nasal cavity. This increases nasal airflow and allows the tongue to rest in a healthier position, which can be an effective step for children experiencing pediatric sleep issues. You can explore these connections on our dedicated sleep apnea treatment page.

There is usually a temporary adjustment period of a few days to a week where your child may speak with a slight lisp or sound like they have excess saliva. This is completely normal as the tongue learns to adapt to the appliance on the roof of the mouth. Reading aloud or singing is a great way to help the tongue adjust quickly!