Expand Your Horizons
At Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use palatal expanders to help your child's smile. Dr. Mike Seelig, our orthodontist, recommends them to help create space for developing teeth and jaws.
Palatal expanders work best with a little daily care at home. Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your child’s appliance clean, safe, and on track.
Proper Use & Maintenance
Here are a few things that Dr. Mike suggests to keep your child’s expander working like it should.
Keep It Clean
Cleaning your child’s palatal expander helps protect their teeth and gums while the appliance does its job. At Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recommend making cleaning part of your child's regular brushing routine.
Here's what works best:
- Brush carefully around the expander with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Focus on the bands, the center screw, and the roof of the mouth.
- After meals, have your child swish with water to rinse out any food that might've gotten caught.
- For extra help, try using a water flosser, floss threader, or even a cotton swab to reach tricky spots.
- A quick swish of mouthwash at night can help keep everything fresh and germ-free.
Turning the Expander
Turning the key might feel a little intimidating at first, but you can do it! Dr. Mike will show you exactly how to do it at your appointment, and we’re always happy to walk you through it again if needed.
Here’s how to make each turn count:
- Have your child lie down in a well-lit spot, with their head tilted back slightly.
- Insert the key into the small hole at the front of the expander until it’s fully in.
- Push the key straight back until you see the next hole appear.
- Gently slide the key out toward the back (not forward—this can undo the turn).
- Mark your turn on your tracker or calendar so you don’t miss one.
Food Tips
Eating with an expander takes a little getting used to. But it doesn’t take long for most kids to adjust. In the meantime, a few small changes at mealtime can make a big difference.
Best Bets
Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods, especially during the first few days:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt or smoothies
- Pasta, rice, or soft-cooked veggies
- Cut-up fruits (bananas, melons, berries)
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can get stuck in the expander or even damage it.
Try to avoid:
- Sticky snacks like gum, caramel, or taffy
- Hard or crunchy foods like popcorn, ice, nuts, or chips
- Extra-chewy items like bagels, tough crusts, or beef jerky
When to Call Dr. Mike
Most kids do great with their expanders after the first few days. But if something feels off, our Shine Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics team is here to help.
Give our Gallatin office a call if you notice any of the following:
- The expander feels loose or wobbly
- Your child is in pain that lasts longer than a couple of days
- You’re having trouble turning the key
- A part of the expander breaks or falls out
- There’s swelling, bleeding, or anything that doesn’t feel normal