The expander is used to widen the upper jaw. It will make more room for the teeth so that permanent teeth won't need to be extracted. It is also used to correct the width of the upper to jaw to better match the lower jaw.

Typical expanders take 6-9 months to make the correction.

Many expanders are removable, although some are adhered to the teeth.

There is usually little if any discomfort from the expander. It will be awkward for the first few days, but will be easy after that adjustment period.

Randall L. Shaw