3101 Macatawa Drive • Grandville, MI 616-538-5920 map
3340 Central Blvd • Hudsonville, MI 616-669-8878 map
11160 WJ Presley Pkwy • Allendale, MI 616-892-7878 map
10432 Chicago Drive • Zeeland, MI 616-741-9292 map
A palatal expander widens your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time a “turn” is completed. We’ll make sure to teach you how to turn your expander before you leave the office, but if you need a reminder, see the steps below. Once the desired expansion is achieved, you will wear the appliance for several more months to solidify the expansion and prevent relapse.
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. The screw will rotate and a 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 should now be visible.