I have helped many kids including my 5 year old navigate through an expander and here's how you can do it too. These tips are best for kids under Age 10 but lend a helpful perspective for older kids. No need to keep guessing how to help your child through it. Steal my tips for your little young one below!
(Read this first if unfamiliar with palate expansion)
"Children frequently outperform parents' expectations
when it comes to coping with an expander."
Practical Guide for Paediatric Palatal Expansion
1. Helping your child understand the process
Children cope better when they understand why they are wearing the expander.
Our words and tone set the stage. Our passing comments form lasting impressions on our children. Be intentional in your words; focus on how the expander is helping their body grow.
*Bonus Tip : Make the expander uniquely theirs
Calling the expander a “Princess Tiara for your teeth” or a “Rocket Spaceship landing on the roof of your mouth” creates great enthusiasm that will smoothen their acceptance. You know what your kids are into -- Get creative!
2. Navigating the First few days
It is normal for your child to notice the expander. As a paediatric dentist, I find that acknowledging the “newness” is better than asking them to just “forget about it”.
Steal my 2 favourite ways to introduce this concept
(1) This is your "new best friend" - it will hang out with you all the time OR
(2) Your tongue has a "new neighbour" - it will take some time to get used to each other.
3. Activating the Expander
Follow the activation schedule (i.e. How often to turn the expander) as advised by your paediatric dentist/orthodontist. Do not perform extra turns. Use these Tips when Activating the Expander:
Time: Best before bedtime, after toothbrushing and flossing
Position: Lie on their back, mouth wide open, looking upwards
Location: Brightly lit room ( avoid the bathroom ) or use phone-light if needed
Prep work: Remind your child he/she will feel some pressure - that means it's working!
Spaces: Gaps appearing between teeth is normal. Encourage him/her that it's a sign of progress!
*Bonus Tip: Hold a squishy or a soft toy for comfort
For the first few turns, allow them to hold a soft toy or someone’s hand that they can squeeze, should they feel some pressure. Having a coping strategy ready, if needed, allows them to feel in control.
4. Getting your child involved
Involve your child at home - Let them be in charge of ticking off each completed activation. Use either a simple sticker chart or mark on the calendar!
*Bonus tip: Count forward till Day 10 of activation and plan a special prize for achieving that milestone.
"Celebrate the little wins!"
Others, kids and adults alike, will get curious and naturally ask questions. Empower your child with the answers to common questions beforehand:
*Expanders differ in design; may be removable or fixed in place
5. Eating with your expander
Your child can usually continue eating their regular diet, with some minor adjustments.
Encourage:
✓ Softer foods during the first few days
✓ Smaller bites, chewing slowly
✓ Plenty of water
✓ Finish the meal with gargling to loosen food debris
Avoid:
✗ Frequent snacking (increases risk of decay with frequent food debris stuck)
✗ Very sticky foods (eg. gummies,chewy candy or gum)
✗ Hard or very crunchy foods (e.g whole nuts, ice cubes)
Hard sticky foods put extra strain on the cement/wires that hold the expander in place, loosening it more easily. (Night grinding forces add to this) This means an extra clinic visit to recement or tighten the wires.
6. Keeping your expander clean
Food can easily collect around an expander, so good oral hygiene is especially important.
Water : Rinse with water after each meal/snack
Teeth : Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Expander : Brush all parts of the appliance on the palate, including the expander screw
*Removable appliances should be removed from the mouth to brush separately. A toothbrush with toothpaste or child-safe soap cleanser helps reduce smell and a slimey build up. Retainer tablets may be used.
Parents should be in charge of brushing, especially in children under 8 years old.
The expander itself does not cause cavities
— plaque bacteria and trapped food around the appliance do
The expander journey is a partnership between your child, you and our team at My First Dentist.
REMIND • ENCOURAGE• SUPPORT
Keep the routine consistent, maintain a positive tone and celebrate the small wins.
We're here to support you and your child throughout the journey.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are meant purely for informational and educational purposes only. The website is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or professional care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. ?