Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE): User Guide
Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE): User Guide
July 10th 2025
July 10th 2025
Overview
Overview
This guide provides essential care and usage instructions for the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System. It is important that patients, especially minors under supervision, thoroughly review this document to understand how to properly use, care for, and maintain good oral hygiene while using the expander.
What is Invisalign Palatal Expander?
The Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) comprises of doctor-prescribed, 3D-printed removable expanders which help to treat malocclusion by expanding a narrow jaw in children, adolescents, and in adults.
What is Invisalign Palatal Expander?
How to Insert
Take the device out of the pouch (keep the pouch).
Clean and rinse it.
Brush and floss your teeth.
Confirm the stage number.
Insert above your upper back teeth.
Push up to seat one side.
Bite down or use finger pressure to seat the other side.
How to Insert
How to Remove
Use your thumb/finger to grip the handle.
Pull toward your cheek.
Pull down to fully remove.
Clean and dry before storage.
Never twist, bend, or use sharp tools.
How to Remove
Cleaning and Storage
Use soft toothbrush + water + small toothpaste amount.
Rinse thoroughly.
Store in original pouch.
Keep dry and away from pets/kids.
Cleaning and Storage
How the Devices Work
Devices are to be worn 24/7, or as much as possible
Devices may be worn while eating or drinking, unless advised otherwise
Remove only when brushing, or when eating (if uncomfortable to eat with the expander in)
Save all of the old expanders just in case
Compliance is Critical! Not wearing the expanders for enough time will lengthen treatment time and reduce effectiveness.
How the Devices Work
Expansion Phase
Your expanders are to be worn 24/7, or as much as possible, and will gradually expand the roof of the mouth.
You may change your expanders DAILY, or less frequently depending on your orthodontist’s instructions.
Stage 0 is for getting used to the expander
The following stages actively expand the roof of the mouth
Your orthodontist will decide the optimal ending point
Expansion Phase
Holding Phase
Holding Phase
Holding Phase
Once expansion is complete, a replica of the final expander stage (called ‘the holders’) is worn to maintain the expansion and keep it stable. Each holder is worn 24/7 for 2 to 4 weeks.
Your orthodontist will determine the number of holders.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Rinse after meals
Brush & floss before every insertion
If you can’t brush, rinse thoroughly until you can
Schedule regular dental cleanings
Oral Hygiene Tips
Warnings
Minors should be supervised. Rare but serious risks include:
Allergic reaction to the nylon material
Swelling due to hereditary angioedema
Choking on or inhaling the device
Severe complications from misuse (e.g., pain, dislodged teeth, gum damage)
Stop using and contact your doctor if any of these occur.
Warnings
Common FAQs about IPE
Common FAQs about IPE
Lost/Broken Device?
You may use the previous stage or the next stage temporarily, but confirm with the orthodontist.
Lost/Broken Device?
Can I eat with them on?
Can I eat with them on?
Why the 'Bumps'?
Why the 'Bumps'?
Pain?
Pain?
Speech Issues?
Speech Issues?
Device Doesn’t Fit?
Device Doesn’t Fit?
I am getting a gap in my teeth!
I am getting a gap in my teeth!
Food Restrictions?
Food Restrictions?
Cleaning?
Cleaning?
Gum Chewing?
Gum Chewing?
Lost Attachment?
Lost Attachment?
What is IPE made out of?
What is IPE made out of?
Can I eat with them on?
Yes! We actually recommend that you keep your expander on while eating and only remove it when brushing your teeth.
Why the 'Bumps'?
'Bumps' or attachments help the device stay in place and expand effectively.
Pain?
Mild discomfort is normal.
Speech Issues?
Temporary lisp is possible but usually resolves.
I am getting a gap in my teeth!
Getting a gap in between your front teeth is a sign that expander is working.
Device Doesn’t Fit?
Small misfits are expected; contact your doctor if severe.
Food Restrictions?
Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods and drinks.
Cleaning?
Use only toothbrush and toothpaste. No boiling or cleaners.
Gum Chewing?
Not allowed.
Lost Attachment?
Call your doctor.
What is IPE made out of?
The Invisalign Palatal Expanders are made out of nylon 12, which are supported by composite resin attachments on the teeth.
Still Have Questions?
Call your doctor or Align Technology at 1-888-822-5446.
Call your doctor or Align Technology at
1-888-822-5446.
Images/videos are property of Align Technology, Inc. and used here for educational purposes.