Appliances > Upper Expanders
Bite Plate |
Carriere |
Herbst |
Headgear |
Lip Bumper |
Lower Expander |
Retainers
Space Maintainers |
Upper Expanders
UPPER EXPANDERS
RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)
An appliance that painlessly separates and spreads the bones of the upper jaw. The two halves of the jaw then knit back together and new bone forms to make the jaw wider.
HOW IT WORKS
The key is inserted into the hole and then pushed all the way to the back toward the throat. This will bring the next hole into view.
After the palate has been widened enough, it is necessary to hold its new form so new bone will grow to fill the space. Plastic is sometimes added to the jack screw so it becomes a splint.
The palatial spreading device is cemented in place and the screw must be turned by your parent.
REASONS WHY YOU MAY BE WEARING ONE
- There isn't enough bone growth to accommodate the upper teeth.
- The palate (roof of the mouth) is so narrow that speech is impaired.
- The palate is so high it actually cuts down on the amount of air that can pass through the nose. Deep breathing is possible only through an open mouth. This is called mouth breathing.
HOW YOU'LL FEEL
- Your teeth might be uncomfortable for a day or two.
- After a week you may feel a little itching in the roof of your mouth. This is normal, as the fibers there stretch and expand.
HOW TO CLEAN
- Brush as usual.
- Use the water spray or oral lavage to flush out between the plastic (or metal) and the roof of your mouth.
- Use your favorite mouthwash to swish it clean.
DON'T FORGET!
- Review your Forbidden Foods list.
- Absolutely no gum chewing.
Quadhelix
A quadhelix is another kind of expander for the upper jaw that works slowly to expand. The quadhelix is adjusted by your orthodontist and there is nothing that you need to do except keep it very clean and keep your fingers away.