RAPID PALATAL EXPANDER

What is an RPE?

A rapid palatal expander (RPE) is an appliance used to widen the two halves of the top jaw, also known as the palate or maxilla. The two halves are joined together by a “suture” in the center of the roof of the mouth. We use molar bands to cement the RPE to the upper or lower back teeth. Turning the screw as directed by Dr. Miller will eases the suture apart, which makes the jaw wider. As the jaw expands, new bone fills in between the two halves of the palate. Expanders are typically worn for 6-9 months, however Dr. Miller will determine the proper timeline based on each individual case.

An expander has many benefits. It can widen the upper arch so that the upper teeth fit better with the lower teeth, creating a better bite. Also widening the palate can make room for crowded teeth to align, which can often prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth. A deep palate and narrow arch may restrict breathing passages. Studies have shown that expanders can widen air passages and result in better breathing. Lastly, expanders contribute to a broader, more attractive smile. Expansion is easiest and results are most stable when performed on a growing child or teen.

How to turn an expander:

Insert the key into the hole at the front of the expander. Pick up the expander key, which has a small bent piece of metal attached that fits into the hole. Look for the hole in your expander on the piece of flat metal at the roof of your mouth. Stick the key down into the hole at the front of your mouth until it’s firmly in place.

The key has a safety bend in it which prevents you from poking your mouth, making it impossible to push too far into the expander’s hole.
Clear your expander's hole of any food using your toothbrush before putting the key into it.

Push the key towards the back of your mouth until a new hole appears. When the key is all the way in the hole, turn it towards the back of your mouth. As you’re moving the hole with the key in it backwards, a new hole will start to appear in its place. Once you can see the entire new hole, you’ve done one full turn.

Whether you have an upper expander or a lower one, the key will always be turned towards the back of your mouth.
If you're having trouble turning the expander, make sure there isn't any food around it and that the key is properly inserted.
Never do more than 1 full turn at a time.

Pull the key straight out to avoid reversing the turn. Once you see the new hole and have completed the turn, pull the key straight down if you have an upper expander, or straight up if you have a lower expander. Be very careful not to accidentally pull back on the key, turning the expander’s hole back to where it started.

Gently wiggle the key if you’re having trouble pulling it out without reversing the turn.
If you accidentally pull the hole back the wrong way, slide the key back into the hole and fix the turn.
Look for the new hole once the key is removed to make sure you did the turn correctly.

Keep your expander as clean as possible. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is always a good idea, but it’s especially important to take care of your mouth when you have an expander. Take extra time to clean around your expander using your toothbrush, making sure no food is caught around or under it.

Wipe off the key each time you use it, if needed.
Consider using a water flosser to gently blast water around the expander, dislodging any food that might have been stuck
Gargle with warm salt-water to help with gum tissue irritation.

Avoid eating sticky or hard foods. This includes popcorn, gum, crunchy chips, and most types of candy. Eating sticky foods will make it harder to clean around your expander, and hard foods may cause damage or pain if they get stuck underneath it.

Avoid caramel and taffy.
Corn on the cob can be tricky to eat with an expander as well.