5 Tips for Helping Kids Adjust to Wearing a Palatal Expander
When it comes to new experiences, kids are often much better at adapting than us adults. But if your child has recently started wearing a palatal expander, it’s not surprising that they might need a bit of help adjusting to it at the beginning. After all, your child is likely not used to continuously wearing an orthodontic appliance as they go about their day. That’s why the team at Foundations Orthodontics is here with some tips on how to make the transition to wearing a palatal expander a bit easier.
What is a Palatal Expander?
But first let’s quickly ensure you know the basics. A palatal expander (or palate expander) is an orthodontic appliance that sits against the roof (palate) of your child’s mouth and widens the upper jaw. It’s a common choice in phase 1 orthodontic treatment for kids whose upper arch is too small for the incoming adult teeth or to fix a discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws so they stack together in a well-functioning bite. At Foundations Orthodontics, a palatal expander is also sometimes recommended as part of airway treatment; expanding the upper jaw opens the palate, which increases nasal air capacity and can help alleviate mouth breathing and other sleep disordered breathing symptoms.
How does a palatal expander widen your child’s upper jaw, also called “maxillary expansion?” A few types of palatal expanders exist but with a fixed, rapid palatal expander, you turn a tiny key that pushes the two halves of the appliance out incrementally. This light, gradual force works on the left and right halves of the upper jaw, which aren’t fused together yet in childhood.
By the end of treatment — typically just a few months — your child’s arch will be wide enough to allow their adult teeth to erupt into the arch, or help open their airway for much healthier breathing.
Now that you know more about palatal expanders, here are five tips for helping your kid transition more smoothly to wearing theirs.
1. Talk About the Physical Reactions Your Child Might Feel Because of the Palatal Expander
It’s common for children to have some physical reactions to their orthodontic expander at first. Dr. Moran or Dr. White may go over these with you when they first put the expander in, but it’s also helpful to chat about them at home so your child knows what to expect.
Typical reactions at the outset of wearing a palatal expander include:
A feeling of fullness in their mouth or pressure on their palate against their molars where the appliance is attached.
Talking with a lisp, some drooling, or complaints that swallowing feels strange. Rest assured, these experiences typically resolve within a week or less.
A tingly feeling under their eyes or around their nose where their jawbone connects with their skull. This feeling usually doesn’t last long, but it can happen again when the expander is tightened.
2. Pick Out Easy-To-Eat Soft Foods
At first, eating with a palatal expander feels different than eating without one. Just like when you first get braces, we suggest eating soft foods that are gentle on a sore mouth.
Stock up on foods like:
Yogurt
Soups
Smoothies
Mashed potatoes
Oatmeal
Pudding or Ice Cream for a special treat
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods like nuts, gum, or popcorn. These can get stuck in the expander.
3. Be Ready With Pain Relief Options
Speaking of a sore mouth, yes, it’s a reality that an orthodontic expander can feel uncomfortable, especially at first. Have over-the-counter children’s pain relief on hand, though be sure to check with your doctor first.
4. Allot A Few Extra Minutes In Your Child’s Oral Hygiene Routine
Keeping their palatal expander clean may add an extra minute or two to your child’s oral hygiene routines: your child will need to brush their expander every time they brush their teeth. Some extra helpful tools? Try a medicine syringe with water or invest in a kids’ Waterpik to help flush out food debris and plaque.
5. Pick The Most Comfortable Time to Adjust the Expander
Your Denver-area orthodontist will provide detailed instructions on how to adjust an expander. Some kids prefer to adjust their expander at bedtime so they can sleep through any discomfort. Other kids prefer to adjust their expander partway in the morning and partway at night. We’ll advise you on the best options and together, we’ll come up with a routine that works for your child.
Lay the Foundation for A Healthier Smile: A Palatal Expander with Your Denver Area Orthodontist
Our holistic approach means that we look at how orthodontics can improve your child’s entire dental and facial system. We also practice orthodontics conservatively — only recommending treatment when there’s a clear, health-based reason for it.
That’s why you can feel confident that when we suggest phase 1 orthodontic treatment like a palatal expander, it’s all about improving your child’s quality of life. Schedule a visit to our Centennial, Denver, Granby, or Winter Park, CO office and start the foundation for a healthy, stable, and functional smile for your child.