Palatal Expanders

The Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is used to widen your palate, creating room for more teeth and eliminating a posterior crossbite. It is an appliance that is attached to your teeth by bands or plastic. After expansion is complete, the appliance will act as its own retainer while bone growth is completed in the palate, remaining in place for 6 months. It is normal for spaces to appear between the upper front teeth during expansion. The space is needed to properly align your teeth. Pressure will be experienced during the active expansion period, and if necessary you can take ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed by Dr. Maulik.  Special attention to hygiene is required, as you must brush around and underneath the appliance.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office. While the frequency with which the appliance is turned varies with each patient, it is usually turned once a day for 2-4 weeks.

RPE Turn Instructions

RPE Insertion