• Life with Braces
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• Brushing and Flossing
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• Types of Braces
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• Braces Diagram
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• Types of Appliances
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• Clear Aligners
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• Palatal Expander
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• Tads

Rapid Palatal Expander

A palatal expander is used only on the upper arch and is used to correct certain posterior crossbites. This appliance widens the upper jaw with gentle pressure that is focused on the upper molars. The initial expansion typically takes about one month to occur, but the appliance will remain in the mouth for approximately six months in order to prevent relapse and to solidify expansion. The orthodontist and assistant will provide you with hands on instruction on how to adjust and properly care for your expander at your appointment.

A step by step guide for quick reference:

1.) Tip the patients head back in a well-lit area
2.) Insert the expander key into the appliance hole until it is firmly in position.
3.) Push the key towards the back of the patient’s mouth. The expansion screw of the appliance will rotate as you turn the key and a new hole will appear. The end of the rotation is when the key touches the back of the expander.
4.) Remove the key by pushing back and down towards the direction of the tongue. The next hole for insertion should be visible.