The palatal expander is one of the most frequently used early treatments  It is also sometime used with braces in adolescent patients. The palatal expander “expands” (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. We will instruct you about when and how to adjust the expander. When the desired expansion has been achieved, your child will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.