THE PALATAL EXPANDER
A Palatal Expander is an orthodontic appliance that does exactly what its name says - it gently expands the palate to increase the width of the upper jaw.
Between the ages of 7 and 10, when a child is growing, so does their palatal growth plate. As this palate expands, orthodontists use the Palatal Expander as part of the natural growth cycle to widen the palate.
STEP 1
In a well-lit area, tip the patient’s head back.
STEP 2
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
STEP 3
Push the key toward the back of the mouth. You will notice the fender will rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
STEP 4
Press back and down toward the tongue to remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.
