Palate expanders are oral devices that are used to treat various common dental problems. These gadgets are most typically utilized in pre-adolescent children, although teenagers and adults can also benefit from them. Your Pendleton Orthodontics specialist may recommend a palate expander if your child has a cross bite or a narrow upper jaw. Palate expanders have been around for a long time. There are several kinds. The device works by gradually extending the core palatal connective tissue to broaden the palate. Because of how the instrument works, it is only recommended for individuals who have not yet finished developing, as their palate will be receptive to change and will not be entirely off. The RPE is enlarged every other day, as directed by the patient or a parent or guardian. The upper stature rejoins with a freshly produced bone when the palate widens.

Duration for wearing palate expanders

Jawbones do not fully develop till puberty has occurred. Palate expanders are most effective before the jawbone has consolidated and stopped developing. As a result, palate expanders are required for a shorter time in youngsters than in teens or adults. Palate expanders can extend the jaw to the appropriate size in youngsters in roughly 2 to 3 months. The device is left in place for another 4 to 6 months to allow the two sides of the jawbone to fuse and the teeth to settle into their proper position. This procedure may take a year or longer in older people with fully formed jaws. A conventional type of gadget may be unable to broaden the jaw. Your orthodontist may propose a surgically placed palate expander instead in some cases.

Do palate expanders make it difficult to chew food?

Palate expanders, like braces, require some getting accustomed to. You may become too conscious of the sensations created by speaking, chewing, and swallowing for a few days. You may also notice your tongue pressing on the expander. It is typical to have a sore or full feeling on the roof of your mouth for a day or two. It will take roughly a week to become adjusted to your expander. It may be beneficial to consume soft, easy-to-swallow meals that need little chewing at this period. Smoothies, scrambled eggs, tofu, and yogurt are all acceptable options. Avoid chewing gum, hard sweets, and sticky or chewy meals like steak, taffy, or apples.

Problems that may occur when using an RPE

Although relatively safe, using a rapid palatal expander may result in certain complications. The first possibility is that the gadget becomes loose or falls off. This is especially true for individuals who cannot stop wriggling the RPE. Another concern that may happen, while it is pretty unusual, is a nasal bleed. Because the palatal structure attempting to widen is also the base of the nose, expansion may result in a nose bleed. Once the bleeding has been managed or stopped, contact a health care provider for additional instructions. After some time has passed, you should be able to turn the RPE again without trouble.

Treatment with a rapid palatal expander is a simple and comfortable procedure that can produce excellent orthodontic outcomes while also considerably improving the function and aesthetics of a smile and bite. Call Pendleton Orthodontics or schedule your appointment online to learn more about how a rapid palatal expander can enhance your smile or your child’s.