Many children require orthodontics to straighten their teeth and correct any dental irregularities. Sometimes, a child's mouth doesn't have enough room for their teeth. When that happens, an appliance called a rapid palatal expander (RPE) can be used for RPE expansion to widen the jaw, creating more room for permanent teeth. Here's what you should know.

A Guide to RPE Expansion

How does a palatal expander work?

An RPE expander fits over several teeth in the upper jaw toward the back of the mouth. It is activated by turning a key in the middle that pushes the two palatal bones away from each other. RPEs can widen the upper jaw at a rate of 0.5 mm per day, with treatment generally taking about six to nine months.

Why do children need RPE expansion?

RPE expansion is prescribed in three common situations. The first is a crossbite, when the upper jaw isn't wide enough to fit the lower jaw. Crowding is the second circumstance and can be identified by orthodontists, who can tell if your child's mouth is large enough to accommodate their permanent adult teeth. The third instance is if a child experiences an impacted tooth, which occurs when a growing tooth is blocked by other teeth.

What are the side effects?

As with most orthodontic treatments, there is a small adjustment period after an RPE is placed. Immediately after, your child may find that eating, swallowing, and talking feel awkward or difficult and may experience soreness or pain in the jaw, along with headaches, which can be addressed with over-the-counter medication. Another common side effect is forming a gap between the front teeth, which indicates that the appliance is working. Finally, your child may notice that they can breathe better as the nasal floor becomes wider. 

How do you clean the expander?

Children who wear expanders can (and should) brush them right alongside their teeth. They can also rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash or a water flosser to remove stubborn food particles.

If your child needs orthodontics, turn to the caring staff at SmileOdontics. The family-owned and -operated clinic provides outstanding orthodontic services to children and adults in Mason, OH. and nearby areas. Resident orthodontist Dr. Jameel Khan, has nearly 20 years of experience and is committed to developing friendly relationships with patients. SmileOdontics offers both adolescent and adult braces with metal, plastic, and ceramic options. Feel free to ask about Invisalign^® as an alternative. Call (513) 229-3100 to schedule a free consultation, or visit the website to learn more about their services.