The Rapid Palatal Expander is a device used to widen the upper arch (roof) of the mouth in order to achieve one or more of the following:
- To correct a crossbite – the expanding results in a normal bite by better aligning the upper teeth with the lower teeth.
- To make more room for teeth when the teeth are crowded.
- To widen air passages that were previously restricted by a narrow arch, allowing the patient to breathe easier through the nose.
When patients are still growing, their connective tissue between the left and right halves of their upper jaw is very responsive to expansion. By simply activating the expander through turning a screw in the center, with a special key we provide, gradual outward pressure is placed on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This pressure causes an increased amount of bone to grow between the right and left halves of the jaw, ultimately resulting in an increased width.
Using your Palatal Expander:
- We will show you how to activate your expander. When using an expander, it is normal for a space to develop between your two front teeth. The space will naturally close again.
- If you feel any discomfort, such as a tingling sensation at the bridge of your nose, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen. This can be caused from the pressure on the roof of your mouth. If you still have discomfort after taking the pain reliever, please call for us to check the appliance.
- If turning the appliance the prescribed number of turns is too painful or there is too much pressure, then decrease the number of turns per day and notify our office.
- When the expander is placed, it is normal for you to have speech difficulty. We recommend reading out loud for a few days to improve your speech.
- For the first few days, we also recommend eating soft foods and cutting up your food into small pieces.
- Each time you brush, please make sure to clean your expander. By using a toothbrush, Water Pik and mouthwash, you can keep your appliance clean and greatly reduce the amount of irritation it may cause.