orthodontist
Foster City
(650) 525-9440
Belmont
(650) 592-4850
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Turning Your Expander at Foster City and Belmont, CA

Palatal expander model demonstrating orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw during treatment at Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics.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. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

Young boy smiling while adjusting a palatal expander in a natural setting, illustrating orthodontic treatment guidance.Adjusting the palatal expander

You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document.

Animation of a palatal expander in the mouth, illustrating the adjustment process for widening the upper jaw during orthodontic treatment.Step 1

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

 

Animation showing a hand adjusting a palatal expander in a patient's mouth, demonstrating the process of turning the expander for orthodontic treatment.Step 2

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

 

Animation showing the adjustment process of a palatal expander, highlighting the key insertion and rotation mechanism for orthodontic treatment.Step 3

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

 

Animation showing the adjustment of a palatal expander in the mouth, illustrating the process of inserting a key to widen the upper jaw for orthodontic treatment.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.

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