Knowledge Base
Expanders
The expander appliance is designed to widen your jaws (and consequently the teeth, too.)
In order for it to be effective, someone must adjust the appliance as directed. To adjust the appliance, insert the key into the hole located in the middle of the expander. Push the key in the direction of the arrow (toward the back of the mouth). Keep pushing the key until the next hole becomes completely visible. This completes one turn of the appliance. If you ever have difficulty adjusting the appliance, please call the office.
The best time to adjust your appliance is the first thing in the morning and/or right after dinner. In this way, you will have time to get used to the tightness before you begin the day's activities or before you go to sleep at night. Some tightness or pressure around the roof of the mouth and the nose can be expected but you should not experience any severe pain or looseness of teeth or the appliance. If this happens, stop adjusting the appliance and call the office for an appointment.
Eating
For most patients, there is also a 3 to 4 day adjustment period in becoming comfortable in chewing with and cleaning around the expander. The good news is that once the adjustment period has passed, the appliance is very comfortable to wear. Proper brushing and flossing must be maintained to prevent enamel scarring and gum inflammation.
If sweets are to be eaten, they should be eaten at a regular meal, not as a snack. Foods to be avoided while you are wearing the appliance include hard and sticky candy, ice, gum, Doritos or fritos, pizza crust, raw apples or carrots, popcorn, and sugared carbonated drinks.
Results
After 5 to 7 days, you should notice a large space developing between your front teeth. The space will close up in about two months. If this space is not present after one week, do not turn the appliance any more. Please call the office for further instructions. If you miss your next appointment, do not turn the expander any more than instructed. Your appliance will need to be left in place for approximately 6 months to maintain the active expansion.
The active expansion will take approximately 3 to 6 months. The expanders may then be left on for an additional 6 to 12 months to serve as retainers while the remaining permanent teeth continue to erupt. If you miss your next appointment, do not turn the expander any more than instructed. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.