Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
The Rapid Palate Expander at Textbook Orthodontics is used to correct jaw width, dental crowding and cross bites. It is best to bring your children to see the orthodontist for an orthodontic exam is at the age of 7. At this age an RPE can still make skeletal changes that can avoid both orthodontic surgery and teeth removal in the future.
The expander is used to widen your arch in order to correct a crossbite or create room for your teeth. To use the expander the key must be placed in the hole and turned towards the back of the mouth (throat). Make sure to take the key out at this point to not turn the expander backwards. This completes one turn. Each turn equals approximately ¼ mm. It is very common for most orthodontists to request at least 20 turns of this appliance usually 1x day or 1x every other day. Please keep track of how many turns you have completed on a calendar.
It is best to turn the expander at night before you go to sleep. While expanding a space may form between your front teeth. This is how we know the expander is opening the suture, If a space does not form after 1-2 weeks it is possible you are not turning the key correctly so it is best to contact your orthodontist.
It is very common to experience some pressure or tingling in the roof of your mouth or on your nose for a short time while using an expander.
It is very important to brush your expander and its arms thoroughly every time to brush your teeth. If you see that the gums around your expander are getting red and inflamed please contact your orthodontist.
Most Orthodontists keep the expander in for 6 months to 1 year after the final turn to allow the sutures to heal and prevent any relapse.