palate expander will not turn

This is normal and when you stop turning the RPE, the teeth will start to come together again on their own. That is why we often recommend a turn made in the morning and a turn in the evening to keep the patient comfortable. See video below. When you turn the screw properly the … Activation of an expander is usually done by a parent, guardian, or someone other than the patient. How long is a rapid palatal expander used? A high palate and narrow arch may restrict breathing passages. Thank you for your cooperation! Still keep your scheduled appointment to check the expansion. To correct this, insert the key into the hole that faces the rear of the expander and continue the activation until the next hole is fully visible at the front of your mouth. Pull the key out towards the back of the mouth. Don’t panic! It is easiest to have the patient lie down on a bed or couch where there is good light. All Rights Reserved. To correct this, insert the key into the hole that faces the rear of the expander and continue the activation until the next hole is fully visible at the front of your mouth. How do I turn the expander?Toward the front of the tooth, there should be a visible hole. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander. Stock up on your favorite soft foods and liquids. After the palatal expander has been seated (put in place in your mouth), it is adjusted by turning the key in the direction of the arrow, by you or your parent. Monday 8:30a – 5p Sometimes the appliance screw can turn backward. The sensation generally lasts for about 5 minutes and then dissipates. The two most common problems that can arise when having an RPE is that food can become trapped between the expander and the roof of the mouth or difficulty making the activation turn. You will then have to return to the previous hole which is located towards the back of the mouth, insert key and complete the turn. When the turn is complete, simply push down toward the tongue while you continue to lightly apply pressure toward the back of the mouth to remove the key. 2. When the expander is placed, we show you how to clean around it. Favorite Answer. You should then see the next hole for insertion at the top. The expansion of the palate is usually completed in 1-3 weeks. Hold the key with two fingers. Please review our COVID-19 Action Plan and new policies here. An expander has many benefits. Studies have shown that expanders can widen air passages and result in better breathing. If you have further questions about troubleshooting your expander, please call 480-656-7801 for assistance. 2. Note that when the key is fully inserted, the bend in center of the key is no longer visible. If you do not see the keyhole, the turn is not complete. 04/27/2020. Sugarless gum is also ok to chew while the expander is in place. The hole is not accessible because when you make your turn, you are not turning it fully. Insert the key carefully into the hole and then gently wiggle it to determine if it is fully seated. Choose foods that can give you the nourishment you need without making eating more of a headache than it already is. The expander seems to be loose on one side.If you suspect the expander is loose, cease activating immediately and call Galati Orthodontics to schedule an appointment to have the expander checked and re-cemented. palate expander key won’t turn. Choices can include yogurt, healthy shakes, ice cream, mashed vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or yams, or mashed bananas, soup, etc. It appears as if the turn was completed successfully, but when you go to make another turn the key will not go into the new hole. The key is inserted into the top hole visible until it is firmly in place. When the expander is placed, we show you how to clean around it. Thursday 8:30a – 5p However, please call us at (914) 277-1111 if you cannot complete the prescribed number of turns because you are having trouble. Source. During expansion, a space may develop between the two front teeth. It can widen the upper arch so that the upper teeth fit better with the lower teeth, creating a better bite. The two halves are joined together by a “suture” in the center of the roof of the mouth. In that case, the hole may be further back on the appliance. Wiggle the key down toward your tongue to remove it (be cautious so that you do not “unturn” the screw). Gently remove the key from the mouth. Wednesday – Closed The other problem that can arise is not making a complete turn. Turn your palatal expander twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. I can’t find the hole at the front of the expander. A rapid palatal expander (RPE) is a specially made appliance used to widen the two halves of the top jaw, also known as the palate or maxilla. After the expander is turned you may feel pressure in the area of the teeth, and tingling around the bridge of the nose or under your eyes. As the jaw expands, new bone fills in between the two halves of the palate. 1. If an RPE is removed too early, some of the width gained could be lost. There are certain foods that cannot be eaten while the expander is in place. Patients who are going through palate expander treatment either because of a crossbite, underbite, or any other orthodontic issues that require it used to face different problems during the treatment period , whether those problems are about the hardware itself or related to the way it works, and one of these common issue is when the palate … Suite 209 However, the appliance remains in the mouth for a longer period, generally 5-6 months to allow the new bone that has formed to mature. However, if food does get stuck, you can swish or gargle with water, or take a cotton swab and gently wipe the palate of the mouth. If this happens, it may be that the previous activation was not complete or the screw became unturned. Expansion is easiest and results are most stable when performed on a growing child or teen. 3. Somers, NY 10589 Tel: 480-656-7801 | 8573 E Princess Dr #203, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, © Copyright 2020 Galati Orthodontics. You will be given specific instructions as to how many turns to complete before the next appointment. Also widening the palate can make room for crowded teeth to align, which can often prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth. Keep the key inserted in the hole and push toward the back of the mouth (the direction will be marked with an arrow on the expander) until the other key hole is visible at the front of the mouth. As you turn, the fender rotates and a new hole becomes visible. (914) 277-1111 Sometimes, you think you made the complete turn and then remove the key. You should now be able to see a new hole in the front for your next turn. However, if food does get stuck, you can swish or gargle with water, or take a cotton swab and gently wipe the palate of the mouth. 05/12/2020. Follow the arrows facing towards the back of the mouth to apply a small amount of pressure to swivel the key in their direction, completing a 90 degree turn on the key. Then, the patient tilts their head back so that the RPE can be seen clearly with the arrows pointing in the direction of the turn. Friday 7:30a – 4p. These will include chewy, sticky sugary foods such as caramels, taffy, gummy bears, fruit roll-ups, Swedish fish, Starburst, Skittles, etc. 8573 E Princess Dr #203, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Gently remove the key from the mouth. -. We can always make up a turn in office, or you can add it on another day. To correct this, insert the key in the hole facing the back of the expander and push it in the direction of the arrow (toward the throat) until the next hole is visible at the front of the appliance. No, it doesn’t hurt. Place the wire (Key) into the front hole of the rapid palatal expander and then rotate it to the back of the mouth until it stops. Getting Here | Get In Touch, Hours of Operation: I can’t find the hole at the front of the expander.If this happens, it may be that the previous activation was not complete or the screw became unturned. Tuesday 9a – 6p At each turn you will see a new keyhole appear. Keep the area clean until our orthodontist and team have examined it. The other problem that can arise is not making a complete turn. Sometimes, you think you made the complete turn and then remove the key. Lastly, expanders contribute to a broader, more attractive smile. What problems can you have with an expander? The RPE is attached to the upper back teeth and eases the suture apart, which makes the jaw wider. Are there any precautions to take with an expander? 293 Route 100 On the day the expander is placed, we give you a key that inserts into an opening in the activation portion of the RPE.