Palate Expander Care at Home | Activation & Maintenance Guide
Congratulations on Starting Your Palate Expander Journey!
A palate expander is a crucial orthodontic appliance that gradually widens the upper jaw to create space, improve breathing, and correct bite issues. Proper activation, cleaning, and food choices are essential for successful treatment and avoiding complications.
At Elate Orthodontics, we want to ensure that parents and patients feel confident in handling the expander at home. Below, you’ll find step-by-step activation instructions, common mistakes to avoid, foods to eat and avoid, and the best methods for cleaning your expander.
How to Activate Your Palate Expander
Step 1: Prepare for Activation
✔️ Wash your hands thoroughly.
✔️ Have a well-lit mirror and the provided expander key ready.
✔️ Have your child sit in a comfortable position, tilting their head back.
Step 2: Insert the Key Properly
✔️ Carefully insert the key fully into the hole at the center of the expander screw.
✔️ Make sure the key is completely engaged before turning.
Step 3: Make the Full Turn
✔️ Gently push the key toward the back of the mouth in one smooth motion.
✔️ Continue turning until you see the next hole appear.
✔️ Remove the key carefully without reversing the turn.
📌 Important: Never backtrack or undo a turn—this could delay progress!
Please watch this video to learn how to activate (turn) the expander:
This is also a helpful video to watch:
Four Most Common Mistakes Parents Make When Activating Expanders
Many parents get nervous while activating the expander, which is completely normal! However, avoiding these four common mistakes will ensure proper activation and successful treatment.
Mistake #1: Not Fully Inserting the Key
🚨 What happens? Parents sometimes get anxious and don’t push the key all the way into the hole. If the key isn’t inserted correctly, the turn isn’t actually happening, even though it may feel like it is.
✅ Solution: Always make sure the key is fully inside the hole before turning. You should feel it engage before moving it backward.
Mistake #2: Not Turning the Key All the Way Back
🚨 What happens? If the key isn’t pushed fully to the back, the next hole won’t appear, making it difficult to complete future activations.
✅ Solution: Keep turning the key until the next hole is completely visible before removing the key.
Mistake #3: Undoing the Activation While Removing the Key
🚨 What happens? If the key is pulled forward again while being removed, it reverses the activation, undoing the turn.
✅ Solution: Once you’ve completed the turn, remove the key straight out without bringing it forward again.
Mistake #4: Losing Track of the Number of Activations
🚨 What happens? Parents may forget how many activations have been done, leading to over-activating or under-activating the expander.
✅ Solution: Always follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and keep a written record of each activation to ensure the correct number is completed.
📌 Still unsure? Call or text us at 972-538-4343 if you have any concerns!
Foods to Eat & Avoid with a Palate Expander
Why Food Choices Matter
The type of glue used in orthodontics is semi-temporary, meaning the expander will be removed after treatment. However, if excessive pulling force is applied, the expander can come loose too early, delaying your treatment.
To prevent this, avoid sticky and hard foods that could pull on or break the expander.
Foods to Avoid with a Palate Expander
🚫 Sticky Foods → Caramel, gum, taffy, gummy candies
🚫 Crunchy Snacks → Chips, pretzels, popcorn
🚫 Hard Foods → Nuts, ice cubes, hard candies
🚫 Chewy Foods → Bagels, tough meats, licorice
Safe Foods to Eat
✅ Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and applesauce
✅ Cooked vegetables instead of raw crunchy ones
✅ Yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and pasta
✅ Soft bread and well-cooked meats
💡 Tip: If eating tougher foods like apples or carrots, cut them into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
How to Properly Clean a Palate Expander
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Expander
🦷 Brush the expander gently using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
💦 Use a water flosser instead of your fingers to remove trapped food.
🚫 Avoid pulling on the expander with your fingers—this could loosen it.
🚫 Do not use hot water to clean the expander, as it can weaken the cement.
How to Floss with a Palate Expander
✅ Gently slide the floss between your teeth.
✅ DO NOT pull the floss back out the way it went in. Instead, pull it forward to avoid putting pressure on the expander.
📌 Having trouble flossing? A water flosser can help clean around the expander without putting pressure on it.
What to Expect During Expansion
Mild Pressure & Tightness
✔️ A slight pressure sensation in the upper jaw, nose, and sometimes behind the eyes is normal.
✔️ This feeling usually fades within 5-10 minutes after activation.
A Temporary Gap Between Front Teeth
✔️ A small gap between the front teeth is a good sign—it shows the expander is working!
✔️ The gap usually closes naturally as treatment continues.
Speech & Eating Adjustments
✔️ Speaking may feel different at first, but it improves within a few days.
✔️ Stick to soft foods for the first few days to adjust more comfortably.
What If There’s an Issue?
🚨 Call us immediately if:
❌ If you simply don’t know what to do.
❌ The expander feels loose or uncomfortable.
❌ Your child experiences excessive pain, bleeding, or trouble swallowing.
📞 Contact us at 972-538-4343 for urgent concerns!
We’re Here to Help!
📍 Visit us at:
✨ With proper activation and care, your palate expander will work effectively to create a healthy, beautiful smile!
Helpful Resources & Related Pages:
📌 Palate Expanders: Everything You Need to Know
📌 Before & After Orthodontic Transformations
📌 Orthodontic Treatments We Offer