The expansion process usually results in a large gap between the patient's 2 top front teeth, although this does not always happen. This gap is closed naturally and the teeth may overlap which leads to braces being needed. Sometimes with expanders, patients have to turn the expansion screw themselves to tighten up the expander. For expansion that is not managed by the patient and on the lower jaw, a bionator may be a more suitable alternative.
Although it may vary from person to person, most usually feel slight pressure on their teeth. As the patient turns the expansion screw using the key, a space develops between the front two teeth. Some may develop a large space while others do not develop a space at all. It usually takes a week or two for one to adjust to eating and speaking after first receiving the rapid palatal expander. Patients may experience pain and headaches while wearing palatal expanders and when the screw is turned. They may also feel a sore on their tongue from contact with the expander's metal bars.
Patients who have expanders may experience extra saliva and lisps (pronouncing the letter S as a T sound) or a slight 'hissing' S sound.
When the palatal expander is first removed, patients usually report that their mouth feels extremely big and spacious.
They usually remain in the patient's mouth for about 9 months, but this time may vary.
