- What is an expansion retainer?
Also known as an expander, the expansion retainer is usually used for widening the dental arch. It is used most commonly in the upper arch, but can also be used in the lower. The expander is removable and uses small turns of the center expansion joint to increase the width across the dental arch.
- What can I expect when I first get my expansion retainer?
First, the retainer will make you talk a little funny since the tongue will become confused and not know how to articulate sounds against the "new" roof of the mouth. It should take just a few days to adjust; you'll then be able to talk normally again. Second, the retainer will make the mouth water since it thinks there is now something to eat. Again, it only takes a few days to adjust. Unique to the expansion retainer are the turns that widen the retainer and the dental arch. The turns are very small--only 1/4 millimeter per turn--but the teeth are very sensitive to any changes and will notice a small outward pressure when a turn is made. This feeling lasts 20-30 minutes
- How do I make the turns in the expander?
All expanders are activated in the same way. While holding the retainer in your hand be sure the smooth side of the retainer is up, facing you. Also be sure to hold it so that the front of the retainer is closest to you. Insert the key in the small hole in the center of the retainer closest to you and push the key toward the back part of the retainer, rotating the center spindle as the key rotates toward the back. The key will stop when it reaches the end of the turn. Be sure the turn is complete as this will bring the next hole around and make it visible at the front of the retainer.
- I have lost the key to my expansion retainer. What should I do?
Because the expansion retainer key is not custom made, they are easy to replace. Just call the office or come by and pick up a new one. In a pinch, a standard paper clip wire is about the same size although softer and easier to bend. It can be used until you are able to pick up a new key.
- What should I do if I miss a scheduled turn?
If you miss a scheduled turn on the expansion retainer by a couple of days, go ahead and make the turn. If you get all the way to the time for another turn before remembering, do not make two turns to make it up. Just skip the turn that is missed and it will be made up at the end.
- Should I wear my expander while eating?
Most expansion retainers come with a biting surface built into the retainer, so chewing helps the expander become seated fully onto the teeth, producing the best tooth movement. Therefore we do recommend wearing your expander while eating. Another good reason to wear the expander while eating is that many expanders & retainers are lost when they are removed, wrapped in a napkin and then accidentally thrown away at the end of the meal. Remember the scene in the movie Parenthood where Steve Martin and his son have to fish through the dumpster at a pizza parlor for his lost retainer? This can make for a very expensive lunch!
- Should I wear my expander while playing sports?
As with other types of retainers, if your expander fits well and is not falling out, then it is safe to wear it while playing sports. If your sport requires a mouth guard then you will not be able to wear your expander with the mouth guard. We recommend bringing your mouth guard to practice or games in your retainer case. Then, when it is time to play, swap the mouth guard for the expander, keeping the expander in the case until the game is over.
- I accidentally left my expander out for several hours and now when I try to replace it, the expander won't fit. What should I do?
When expanders are actively widening the jaw bone structure, removing them for any length of time allows the dental arch to collapse back. This makes the expander impossible to fit back into the mouth in its widened position. One solution is to back off (reverse) two turns and see if the expander can be fit back into place. If this does not work, try removing two more turns. If the expander still does not fit, then call the office and arrange for an emergency visit.
- One of the wires has broken. What should I do?
Sometimes metal fatigue can cause a wire to break. If this happens, continue to wear the expander if you can, but call the office to arrange for an emergency visit so the doctor can determine if the expander needs to be replaced. Remember, leaving the expander out for any length of time can cause the dental arch to collapse and result in loss of progress.
- I have completed the turns on my expansion retainer. Why do I still have to wear it?
Once expansion is complete, you will still need to wear your expander fulltime for a few more months and then at night for several more months. This is because the expansion needs to be stabilized so that tissue adapts to the new tooth positions while the bone across the palate matures. It is this same phenomenon that causes the dental arch to collapse if the expander is left out for any length of time during the active expansion.