Palatal Expander
A Rapid Palatal Expander or RPE is used quite frequently in orthodontic treatment to create space in the upper jaw for permanent teeth, change the growth pattern of the jaw and eliminate a posterior crossbite. Essentially, an RPE widens the upper jaw of a child’s mouth.
Most RPEs are placed in the roof of the patient’s mouth via metal bands that surround the teeth. The RPE has an expansion screw mechanism that must be turned with a key once a day. It helps to widen the upper jaw over time until the desired space is created.
After Dr. Fourie tells you that you have adjusted the RPE enough, he will leave the RPE in place for about 3 months. This is to ensure that the suture, or area that separates the two pieces of bone in the upper jaw, can close with new bone formation and become stable. Some of the width gained can be lost if the RPE is removed too early
Most RPEs are placed in the roof of the patient’s mouth via metal bands that surround the teeth. The RPE has an expansion screw mechanism that must be turned with a key once a day. It helps to widen the upper jaw over time until the desired space is created.
After Dr. Fourie tells you that you have adjusted the RPE enough, he will leave the RPE in place for about 3 months. This is to ensure that the suture, or area that separates the two pieces of bone in the upper jaw, can close with new bone formation and become stable. Some of the width gained can be lost if the RPE is removed too early
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