A: Palatal expansion is a combination of tooth movement and jaw expansion. It works by widening the two halves of the upper jaw, called the palate.
Step 1: Separators Tiny separators/spacers are placed between the back teeth for a week to create space for the bands.
Step 2: Band Fit There will be an appointment to choose appropriate band sizes for the teeth then an impression is taken. The tiny separators are replaced.
Step 3: Fit Appliance The orthodontist custom makes an expander for each patient. The expander is attached to the upper back teeth and turned with a key at home which eases the palate apart. As the jaw expands, new bone fills in between the two halves of the palate.
