A bonded palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance used to gently widen the upper jaw and create space for proper tooth alignment. Small adjustments gradually expand the jaw over time, and the appliance remains in place for several months to stabilize the results.
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or pasta. Before long, you’ll be able to eat tougher foods again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces. This page includes a list of foods and actions to avoid.
When you get your expander on you may feel general soreness in your mouth for the first few days. It is also normal to feel some tightness in the beginning each time your expander is turned. If the tenderness is severe, take Advil (Ibuprofen) or whatever you normally take for headaches or similar pain. After the first few days you should not feel any more sensitivity associated with the expander or the turning process. If any part of the expander feels sharp to your tongue, or if the tightness and sensitivity does not cease after the first 3-5 days, please call us.
Don’t be alarmed if a wire or bracket comes loose. This happens occasionally. If a wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (the eraser end of a pencil) and carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the arch wire to get it out of the way. If irritation to the lips or mouth continues, place wax or wet cotton on the wire to reduce the annoyance. Call our office as soon as possible for an appoin