A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is a tool used to slowly expand your jaw, often to create room in order to correct crosbites and crooked teeth, or most commonly, crowding.
How do they work?
Dr. Chen may choose to use a palatal expander as part of your orthodontic treatment. The first step in this process is getting an impression done of your teeth. A custom expander will then be constructed and bonded to your teeth at your next appointment. If your expander requires manual adjusting, Dr. Chen and the team at Vaughan Ortho will instruct you on how to do so. As a general guide, insert the key into the small hole of your expander and rotate it to the back of the mouth. How many times a day should you do this? The amount of rotations a day depends on your treatment plan, Dr. Chen will give you instructions on how frequently rotations should be completed when you get your expander put in.
Food Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T EAT - foods that are sticky. These may get stuck in the nooks and crannies of your expander device. As well, avoid foods that are hard and difficult to chew, as they may damage or break your expander. This includes taffy, gum, nuts, popcorn, and many more.
DO EAT - soft and saucy foods. These will not cause discomfort and will not risk damage to your expander device, especially the first few days after you get your new expander. Consider eating foods like yogurt, apple sauce, scrambled eggs, pasta, and other similar options. As well, smoothies are a great breakfast option as they are easy to swallow and the cold can help ease any discomfort from the pressure.
Important Things to Consider
Your expander should not cause pain, however it is normal to feel pressure along the roof of your mouth after rotation. When you first get your expander, speaking and swallowing may feel a little weird, you may even have lisp. This will begin to feel normal after some time once you get comfortable.
Hygiene! Ensure you are regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, especially after eating a meal. This will avoid plaque and debris buildup that may make it difficult to adjust your expander.
For any other questions concerning your expander device, feel free to call Vaughan Orthodontics for assistance. We are always happy to help!