Upper Palatal Expander

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN RPE?
Expand upper jaw
Correct cross bites
Make room for front teeth

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO?
Tighten the screw one turn daily, usually before bed after brushing
In three weeks, we will check for expansion
In another three weeks, we will probably stop tightening

HOW LONG WILL THE PATIENT HAVE TO WEAR THIS?
About 6 months

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT TO HAPPEN AT FIRST?
Uncomfortable bite
Soft diet needed
Aching
Extra saliva (spit)
Possible problems speaking
Possible problems eating

HOW ABOUT LATER?
Usually the two front teeth will get a rather large space. This will mostly close together all by itself before the RPE comes off.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO CONTROL THE DISCOMFORT?
Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken prior to appointment and every 6 hrs for 2 days or as needed.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL FOODS THE PATIENT CAN OR CAN’T EAT?
Hard candy
Sticky foods
Ice chewing
Stringy foods may get caught in the wire

WHAT ABOUT GUM?
No gum. It gets stuck to the plastic.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF IT COMES LOOSE OR BREAKS?
Call us

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO CARE FOR THE APPLIANCE?
Keep it clean. Brush near the gums and under the wire.