how does a palatal expander work?
This appliance uses small metal bands, positioned around the upper molars, with a screw piece that sits in the center of the roof of the mouth.
You’ll insert a special key into the center screw and rotate the key backwards, toward your throat. This is considered one full turn. Activating the expander will trigger it to exert gentle outward pressure on the upper teeth.
Over time, these tiny turns will expand the upper jaw to the desired width. Once the jaw bone is properly expanded, you or your child will continue to wear the appliance for approximately 4-6 months to prevent the bones and teeth from reverting to their original position.