M. Gabrielle Thodas, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Practice Limited To Orthodontics
150 Arch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062 650-368-8348

RAPID PALATAL EXPANDER

You just had a rapid palatal expander (RPE) placed on your upper arch. Remember we are using this because your upper jaw is too narrow. We know that it feels very strange and cumbersome right now, but you will be used to it in no time at all. Here are some special things to keep in mind about the expansion appliance.

  • · The few days or so are probably going to be very frustrating for you. You are going to feel like you can not talk, swallow and chew food very well. You will be amazed that you will get used to all these things and in a week or so the expansion appliance will feel quite normal to you.
  • · Until you get used to eating with your expansion appliance, eat lots of soft foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, fruit smoothies, yogurt, soup and pasta. You will be able to swallow better in a few days once you learn to chew differently.
  • · Be sure to use plenty of wax. Do not wait until you have a sore to start using the wax. Start using it right away.
  • · Your teeth may be sore for the next few days. Remember that this soreness will go away. In the meantime use Tylenol or whatever you would use for a headache to reduce the sensitivity of your teeth.
  • · When the expansion screw is turned, the expander gets 0.25mm wider. That is not much but you will feel it. It gets better as more turns are done. Try to do the turns the same time each day so your body can adapt easier.
  • · You need to do _____ turns, one each day. Keep track of the number of turns you make. If you miss one day, you can do 2 turns the next day or just continue doing one turn and add another day at the end.
  • · Be sure to brush all parts of your expansion appliance as well as your teeth. Pack the travel toothbrush we gave you with you so you can use it whenever necessary.
  • · Remember to stay away from hard sticky foods that can break and pull apart your appliance.
  • We will be seeing you in a few weeks to see how you and the appliance are getting along and how your bite is correcting. If you have any questions or problems before your next appointment, please call us at 368-8348.