When your child’s orthodontist recommends a palatal expander to create additional space in the upper part of the mouth, you may have many questions that pertain to its use and maintenance. Ensuring this appliance remains damage-free and firmly in place is important to avoid possible delays. When it comes to caring for your child’s palatal expander, here are a few tips to help keep it in shape.
Thoroughly Clean the Expander Daily
After your child eats, make sure they rinse their mouth to remove any food debris. Then, they should use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush the expander and their teeth. It can be helpful to use an interdental brush to clean between the wires and teeth to more effectively remove any lodged food. They should also use a water irrigator to flush out the area underneath the expander. Your child’s routine isn’t complete without a final mouthwash rinse lasting 30 seconds.
Be Mindful of What Your Child Eats
While wearing their palatal expander, make sure your child does not eat hard or chewy foods, including popcorn, nuts, caramels, sticky candy, gum, ice, etc. They should also avoid unhealthy habits, such as chewing on pens and pencils, as this can damage their expander and/or teeth.
It’s best that they eat softer foods or those that can be cut up into small pieces. This will prevent food from getting stuck in the expander.
Watch For Potential Problems
You and your child should be aware of any potential problems that require immediate follow-up care from their orthodontist. These include:
- Persistent sores and irritation
- Lodged food that continually gets stuck
- Worsening pain that doesn’t improve over time
- The expander feels loose or doesn’t fit correctly
- Difficulty eating and chewing after the first 7 days
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or begin to bleed
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
Helping your child establish healthy habits while wearing their palatal expander is the most effective way to ensure it lasts throughout treatment. Keeping it in place and germ-free will give your child the best chance of success and of continuing their orthodontic journey. As always, you can ask their orthodontist for additional tips or recommendations on expander maintenance if needed.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Hanson is a trusted orthodontist in Allen who enjoys interacting with her patients and providing positive orthodontic experiences. After earning her DDS from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, she completed a two-year orthodontic residency, earned her Master of Science in Dentistry, and received her certification in orthodontics. She works closely with patients to identify their unique needs and incorporates various appliances, including palatal expanders, when necessary. If your child requires an orthodontic visit, contact us at (972) 727-1153 to schedule a consultation.