Mint Hill Smiles

Dentist in Mint Hill, NC

Palate Expander Care Instructions | Mint Hill Smiles

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A palatal expander gently widens the upper jaw over time.

It is fixed in place and works gradually, so the main job at home is turning it on schedule, keeping it clean, and getting used to it. Here is what you and your child can expect.

Turning the Expander

  • – Turn the expander exactly as we instructed, on the schedule we gave you. Some of the expander we use will not require you to make turns at home. So follow the specific instructions you were given. 
  • – We recommend making turns in the morning so that any soreness does not interfere with falling asleep. 
  • – It is normal to feel pressure or tightness for a few minutes after each turn. This passes quickly.
  • – If you miss a turn, do not double up to catch up. Just resume the normal schedule and let us know.

What Is Normal in the First Days

  • – Increased saliva, a temporary change in speech, and some difficulty with certain words are common for the first few days and improve quickly as the mouth adjusts.
  • – Mild pressure or tenderness, especially after a turn, is normal.
  • – Expect it to take a week or so before you child adjusts to having the expander in their mouth.

Eating

  • – Your child will adjust to eating with the expander within a few days.
  • – We don’t restrict specific foods but you will find that sticky and gummy foods can be harder to clean out of the expander so you may choose to avoid them while the expander is in place.
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Cleaning

  • – Keep the expander clean by brushing carefully around it, especially along the gumline where the expander is bonded to the teeth.
  • – Food and debris can collect under and around the expander, so rinsing after meals helps. A water flosser, such as a waterpik is the best tool for cleaning under the appliance.
  • – Continue brushing twice a day and flossing the teeth as usual.

When to Call Us

Call (704) 323-7577 if the expander becomes loose, a piece breaks, your child has persistent pain rather than brief pressure, or you are unsure how to turn it.
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A palate expander causes pressure or tightness for a few minutes after each turn, but it should not cause ongoing pain. Most children adjust quickly. Persistent pain rather than brief pressure is worth a call to us.
It typically takes children a week to adjust to eating with an expander in place. There are no specific food restrictions but some parents find it is too difficult to clean sticky and gummy foods out from under the expander.
Brush carefully around the expander, rinse after meals to clear trapped food, and continue brushing twice a day and flossing. A water flosser is especially helpful for cleaning around the appliance.
Yes. Extra saliva and temporary changes in speech are normal for the first few days with a new expander and improve quickly as your child adjusts. Practicing reading aloud can speed up the speech adjustment.
Do not double up to make up for a missed turn. Simply resume the normal schedule at the next turn and let us know. If you are ever unsure how to turn it, call us and we will walk you through it.
Call us at (704) 323-7577. A loose expander needs to be checked and recemented so treatment stays on track.

Questions after your appointment?

Call Mint Hill Smiles at (704) 323-7577. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
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