Orthodontic expander
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An orthodontic expander also know as a palate expander or RPE for rapid palate expander is used to widen the upper jaw. This can only be done when the patient is still growing or surgery is involved to separate the two halves of the palate. It is most often followed by braces to straighten out all the teeth now that room has been created. The only problem with expanders is that the patient has to remember to turn the expansion screw themselves. The expansion process usually results in a large gap between the patient's front teeth. This gap is closed by subsequent orthodontics (braces) following the RPE.
For expansion that is not managed by the patient on both the upper and lower jaws, a bionator may be more suitable alternative.
Although it may vary from person to person, most usually feel slight pressure on their front teeth. As the patient turns the RPE using the key, a space develops between the front two teeth. Some may notice a larger space while others do not notice a space at all. It takes a usual of 3 to 5 days to adjust to eating and speaking after first receiving the rapid palatal expander.
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