Have you ever seen kids who seem too young to have braces? Look closely and you’ll discover they aren’t sporting a full mouth of metal – they’re only wearing brackets on their front teeth. This is because of their rapid palatal expander (RPE). This orthodontic tool is a common part of Phase 1 orthodontics, which begins when kids are still in elementary school and have yet to lose all their baby teeth. Here is what to expect on the journey and whether your child is right for this orthodontic solution.
How an RPE Works
An RPE is one of the most powerful devices available to change the path of a child’s dentition and set them up for a beautiful smile and a mouth free of pain. After being fitted for the appliance with 3D printed bands, it is put in place and the work begins to widen the jaw and palate. Here is how an RPE works:
- Anchored to the upper back molars and stretched across the roof of the mouth.
- Designed to move the top palate apart over several weeks by turning a key in the device daily.
- Situated to minimize crowding and make room for the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Stays in place for up to 12 months to avoid relapse.
- Brackets and archwires attached to front teeth to close any unwanted space created by the expander.
- Appliance is removed and a retainer installed until it’s time for full braces.
Benefits of a Rapid Palatal Expander
It’s natural to feel concerned about early intervention when it comes to your child’s teeth, especially with a device like the RPE which looks invasive. However, there are so many benefits to Phase 1 orthodontics.
- Early intervention: Getting an RPE makes alterations to the child’s bite and jaw so it may not be necessary to address these problems with full braces. Some of the biggest oral health complications are corrected before all baby teeth are lost.
- Easier braces journey: The movements of the RPE are so significant, the entire braces process can be simplified in teen years and it may not be necessary to wear braces as long as first anticipated.
- Advanced device: Believe it or not, a mini RPE is smaller, less bulky, and more comfortable than traditional expanders. They’re easier to adjust to and take up less space. RPEs come in different types the right one is customized to the patient.
Find Out If Your Child Needs an RPE
Does your child have crowded teeth? Does their mouth look too small to handle adult-sized teeth? Do they suck their thumb or have other similar habits? Contact Dr. Mariana Orthodontics in Monroe, WA, for a consultation for Phase 1 orthodontics and a rapid palatal expander. Start the orthodontic journey now and the rest of their life will be that much easier.
