Turning Your Child’s Expander: Step-by-Step Guide
Your child’s expander helps create more room for their growing smile. As part of treatment, our team may ask you to turn the expander at home using a small key.
Use this guide as a helpful reminder when it’s time to turn your child’s expander. Be sure to follow the exact schedule provided by our team, and call our office if you ever have questions.
Before You Begin
Before turning your child’s expander, take a moment to get everything ready. A calm setup can make the process easier for both you and your child.
Start by washing your hands and finding the expander key provided by our team. Choose a well-lit spot where your child can sit back or lie down comfortably, and use a mirror or flashlight if you need a better view.
Be sure to follow the turning schedule our team gave you at your child’s appointment. Every child’s treatment plan is different, so only turn the expander as instructed.
How To Turn the Expander
When it’s time to turn your child’s expander, have them open wide and tilt their head back so you can see the appliance clearly. Take your time and make sure the key is fully in place before making the turn.
- Find the hole in the center of the expander. The hole is located in the small turning mechanism in the middle of the appliance.
- Place the key into the hole. Insert the key carefully and make sure it’s all the way in before you turn.
- Push the key toward the back of the mouth. Gently push the key in the direction shown by our team. This turns the expander and activates the appliance.
- Keep turning until the next hole appears. Once the next hole is visible, the turn is complete.
- Remove the key carefully. Slide the key out without pulling it forward or reversing the turn.
- Mark the turn as complete. Use a calendar, tracker, or note on your phone to keep track of each turn.
You may feel unsure the first few times, and that’s okay. Go slowly, follow the schedule we gave you, and call our office if the key does not fit, the expander does not turn, or you are not sure whether the turn was completed.
What Your Child May Feel After a Turn
After you turn the expander, your child may feel light pressure in their teeth, nose, cheeks, or the roof of their mouth. This is normal and usually fades after a short time.
Your child may also notice a snug feeling around the appliance or a little soreness as their mouth adjusts. Soft foods and cold water can help them feel more comfortable if they need it.
The expander should not cause sharp or lasting pain. If your child is very uncomfortable, the expander feels loose, or something does not seem right, please call our office so we can help.
When To Call Our Office
Most expander turns are quick and simple, but our team is always here if you need help. Please call our office if:
- The key will not fit into the hole
- The expander will not turn
- You think you turned the expander the wrong way
- You are not sure if the turn was completed
- The expander feels loose or broken
- Your child has sharp pain or discomfort that does not improve
- You missed more than one turn
- Food is stuck around the expander and will not come out with brushing, rinsing, or a water flosser
When in doubt, please reach out. We would rather answer a quick question than have you feel unsure at home.
We’re Here To Help
Turning your child’s expander is an important part of their treatment, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team will show you how to make each turn before you leave the office, and we’re always happy to answer questions along the way.
If you need help with your child’s expander, please call our office. We’ll walk you through the next step and make sure your child’s treatment stays on track.