Like all dental appliances, palate expanders can take a little time to get used to. However, the adjustment period usually is only a few days. With the device in place, you will need to take special care while eating, adjusting the device, and brushing your teeth.
Eating
As you get used to your new device, you may want to eat foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and cottage cheese can help you get used to the feeling of the appliance while you eat.
After the first few days, you won’t need to limit yourself to soft foods. You will be able to resume eating what you usually like, with some modifications to protect your device. Your orthodontist will likely advise you to limit or avoid the following:1
- Gum
- Taffy
- Caramel
- Chewing ice
- Hard candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
In addition, rather than biting directly into raw veggies and fruits, you should cut them into bite-size pieces.
Adjusting
When you insert a tool into a hole in the device and turn it, you increase pressure on the palate expander. You can think of the process as turning a key in a lock. Depending on the type of expander you have, you will need to adjust your device between a couple of times a week to a couple of times per day.
Your orthodontist will show you how to adjust your device. They will also send instructions home with you.
Some discomfort throughout treatment is expected since you are exerting pressure inside your mouth. However, if you experience unusual pain, you should contact your orthodontist right away for an evaluation.
Brushing
Keeping your teeth and palate expander appliance clean is crucial. While you receive treatment, be sure to floss and brush your teeth and the appliance regularly. If you have a removable palate expander, you can remove your device for cleaning; otherwise, you will clean the device as you brush your teeth.
Some research has found that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes to clean teeth in kids with palate expanders.