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 illustration

Step 2

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

Palatal expander illustration

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.

Palatal expander illustration

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 illustration