The appliance is used to slowly and carefully broaden the upper jaw by exerting lateral pressure on the two halves upper jaw in patients with a constricted, narrow upper jaw. If done properly, bone grows in the middle and a once-constricted upper jaw can attain proper width to improve the bite. Expanding the upper jaw may also help to create space for eruption of permanent teeth.

The appliance includes a screw placed in the middle that can be turned to activate the expansion and generate a force that delicately separates the two palatal bones where the suture that unites them in the middle is located. The patient (or the parent) must perform 1 screw activation every 3 days, until desired enlargement is obtained. The dentist will determine activation schedule. Its important to set reminders in your phone to be sure not to skip activation days.

The patient is seen regularly (every 7-15 days) during the activation period. Once necessary expansion is obtained, activations of the screw are stopped and the appliance stays in place +3 months to allow the bone tissue to form in the middle of the palate, in the suture that has been enlarged.

The key is placed in middle line hole and pushed through so it is visible on the other side about 1mm.  Then lever the key from the front of the appliance follow the arrows marked on appliance.