RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)

Some people are required to have an appliance called an RPE or expander during their treatment. The expander is used to expand or widen the upper jaw. It is very important to turn the expander everyday as instructed.

The expander should be turned twice a day for one week. Once in the morning and once in the evening. In one week, the doctor will check the expander and see if we need to continue turning or can stop turning.

When turning the expander, you will feel pressure along the bridge of your nose and in your palate. This feeling should only last a few minutes. You may also notice a space between the two front teeth. This is normal. We will close that space when we are finished turning the expander.