The palatal expander: a parent's complete guide
16 August 2026 · 5 min read
What an expander is, how the turning works, what the first week feels like and what results to expect.
How it works
The upper jaw consists of two halves joined by a suture that has not fused in children. A palatal expander applies gentle outward pressure so the halves separate slightly and new bone fills the gap — widening the jaw, not just tipping the teeth.
Turning the screw
Most expanders are activated at home with a small key, usually once or twice a day for two to four weeks. We show parents exactly how, and a temporary gap between the front teeth is a normal, welcome sign that it is working.
After active expansion
The appliance stays in place for several months without further turning so new bone can mature. Removing it too early is the main cause of relapse, so patience during this quiet phase is what secures the result.
Questions about your child's smile or breathing?
Book an online consultation or visit one of our clinics for a full orthodontic and airway assessment.
Choose your regionMore articles
- Rapid versus slow palatal expansionBoth widen the upper jaw, but they use different forces and suit different children.
- Signs your child may have a narrow upper jawA high, V-shaped palate, snoring and crowded teeth can all point in the same direction.
- How jaw expansion can improve nasal breathingThe roof of the mouth is the floor of the nose. Widening one changes the other.