The Benefits of the Rapid Palatal Expander

The Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is the best orthopedic appliance we have in orthodontics. The RPE works by widening the bone in the upper arch. The widening occurs because at an early age we can separate the midpalatal suture in the upper arch. This allows the palate to widen and have enough room for your teeth.

For maximum orthopedic expansion, the best time to expand the upper arch is before the age of 10. For some 13 and 14 year olds, it is too late to expand the maxilla because the midpalatal suture has closed.

Some of the benefits of the RPE are:

• Widen the upper arch to make room for your permanent teeth.
• Allows for a wider, better-looking smile.
• Helps reduce or eliminate gum recession due to narrow bone width in the upper arch.
• Some of our patients' nasal septums have straightened after RPE surgery.
• Some adults have stopped snoring after the use of a surgical RPE.
• The RPE is utilized in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
• The RPE decreases the chance of impacted cuspids (eye teeth) in the upper arch after RPE treatment.