An Effective Way to Expand Your Jaw

The palatal expander expands (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made.

The pictures below will show you when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the expansion you want, you’ll wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.

Step 1

In a well-lit area tip the patient's head back.

Palatal expander in the mouth with fingers adjusting it, illustrating the orthodontic treatment process at Rhoads Orthodontics for jaw expansion.

Step 2

Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.

Palatal expander adjustment step, showing a key being inserted into the device, illustrating orthodontic treatment by Rhoads Orthodontics for jaw expansion in Zelienople and surrounding areas.

Step 3

Pushing the key towards 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.

Illustration of a palatal expander adjustment process, showing the key inserted into the expander mechanism, highlighting orthodontic treatment techniques from Rhoads Orthodontics for effective jaw widening.

Step 4

By pushing back and down towards the tongue, remove the key. The next hole for insertion of the key should now be visible.

Palatal expander in a mouth with a hand adjusting the appliance, illustrating orthodontic treatment steps at Rhoads Orthodontics for dental alignment in Zelienople and surrounding areas.