Tips for Caring for Your Palatal Expander

You must take good care of your palatal expanders if you want them to remain in place and accomplish their function. However, are you aware of what it means to care for your palatal expansion properly? If you want to accommodate your upper teeth and tongue, palatal expanders are a metal device that sits on top of your mouth. You must wear your expanders, Leander, for six months before removing them, during which time the screw on the expander is cranked twice daily. It would be best to have a palatal expander when the upper jaw is narrower than the lower one.

If you now use or plan to use a palatal expander, the following suggestions will assist you in maintaining it properly so that you don’t have to wear it as long as necessary:

Eat soft foods

It is advisable to stick to liquids and soft meals throughout your palatal expander therapy to prevent any unpleasant chewing or damage to the expander. Yogurt, protein drinks, mashed veggies, and substantial soups are all quick and straightforward to consume, but they are also packed with nutrients. Take tiny, leisurely nibbles while eating solid items that you need to chew.

Daily care

The first step to maintaining a healthy smile throughout orthodontic device therapy is brushing your palatal expander while brushing your teeth twice a day. It would help if you also washed the region around your expander with soap and water following meals. To get the optimum outcomes, many patients utilize an antibacterial mouth rinse or clean their teeth and their appliance after each meal. Some expanders may be taken out and put back in. At the very least, you should clean your palatal expander and the surrounding tissues twice a day, even if the device is detachable. But many patients prefer to clean detachable equipment rather than permanent ones since they are simpler to clean.

Over-the-counter painkillers

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Aleve may help ease any discomfort you have while using your palatal expander. Based on the bottle’s instructions, take just the appropriate dosage for your age, weight, and height.

Always have a napkin on hand

Saliva production will increase as a result of a palatal expander. A handkerchief or napkin might come in handy if you find yourself drooling or needing to spit because of this.

Apply an ice pack

In the beginning, you may notice some redness and swelling in your cheeks. You may use an ice pack or a cold beverage to minimize the swelling if this happens. Inflammation and discomfort may be relieved with ice cream or a smoothie.

Adjustments & checkups

Your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your appliance and smile at each of your regular appointments. In the event of a problem, they may fix it, change it, or even replace it. Damage to your smile might result from using a cracked or deformed oral appliance.

If you are experiencing persistent or continuous pain or discomfort, you should see a doctor. Your palate expander side effects should never be severe or debilitating, even though they may be unpleasant. An orthodontist can answer any questions or concerns concerning your expander or help you begin your orthodontic journey.