The Banded Palatal Expander is used to slowly and carefully broaden the upper jaw by exerting lateral pressure on the two halves of the maxilla in patients with a constricted maxilla (narrow upper jaw).  If done properly, bone grows in the middle and a narrow maxilla can attain proper width to improve the bite. Expanding the maxilla may also help to create space for eruption of permanent teeth.

Please avoid sticky/chewy candies and gum.

Cleaning: 

We encourage patients to rinse with water after eating to help clean the appliance. Brush and floss as usual, taking special care to clean around the bands, the expansion mechanism, and the palatal bars.

What To Expect:

Upon initial placement, there may be some tongue obstruction, but your speech will be back to normal in just a few days.

Tip: Read your favorite book, magazine, etc. to yourself in front of the mirror for five minutes a day – your speech will be perfect in no time.

Teeth in direct contact with the appliance may be sore for a day or two following an adjustment. Advil, Tylenol or Motrin may be helpful, if necessary. Also, patients may feel pressure on the bridge of the nose during an adjustment as the maxilla widens.


How To Turn Your Expander

Place the key in the center hole and turn in the direction of the arrows on the expander.
Turn the expander toward the back of the mouth until you can see the next hole.
Carefully remove the key in a downward direction. Be very careful not to “unturn” the expander when removing the key.