A palatal expander is an appliance used to widen the upper jaw. There are many types of expanders; RPE, Haas, Quad-helix, TPA, to name a few. Some require manual turning on a daily basis while others do not. They are routinely used to correct a crossbite or broaden a person's smile. If an expander is needed, Dr. Ritucci will determine the appropriate one to use.

How to Turn a Palatal Expander
Find a place in the house that is comfortable and well lit, where your son/daughter can lay on their back with their head tilted backward. (Looking up toward the ceiling behind you).

• Sitting behind them and slightly toward one side (right side if you are right handed, left side if you are left handed), have them open their mouth.
  
• Insert the key provided by Dr. Ritucci into the hole in the expander. Never insert the key if the handle is not attached.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The expander has four holes. Think of the screw as a clock with the holes located at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
  
• Push the key toward the back of their throat until it stops or you hear a click. There may be some resistance when pushing the key. As you push the key, the next hole will appear.Push in the direction of the arrow that is located on the expander.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Now remove the key by gently pulling STRAIGHT down and slightly toward the back of the throat. Make sure the key is removed in this direction. If the key is inadvertently brought forward, the hole will not be visible the next time you go to turn it

HINT: Be sure to push the key all the way toward the back of the throat until it stops or clicks. That way, you will be able to properly fit the key in the next hole.