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Crowded teeth, jaw imbalances, and even breathing issues are only some of the issues rapid palatal expansion can address in children. For expert care, rely on Mandana Mozayeni, DDS, MSD, at Mandana Mozayeni Orthodontics in Chardon, Cuyahoga Falls, Cleveland, and Middleburg, Ohio. Rapid palatal expansion can help your child’s upper and lower teeth fit together better and create a healthy foundation for future treatments. Book a rapid palatal expansion consultation by calling the nearest office or scheduling one online today.
Rapid palatal expansion Q & A
What is rapid palatal expansion?
Mandana Mozayeni Orthodontics uses rapid palatal expansion (RPE) treatment to widen a child’s upper jaw. It involves a small appliance called a palatal expander, which Dr. Mozayeni attaches to the upper teeth to gradually expand the roof of their mouth.
The upper jaw (palate) is made of two halves joined by a growth plate. In younger patients, this plate hasn’t fully fused yet, allowing Dr. Mozayeni to gently guide the jaw to widen over time.
By slowly expanding the palate, RPE creates additional space for teeth, improves bite alignment, and supports proper jaw development.
What issues does rapid palatal expansion address?
RPE can help if the upper jaw is too narrow compared to the lower jaw. This can lead to several orthodontic concerns, including:
- Crowded teeth due to limited space in the upper jaw
- Crossbite, where some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down
- Impacted teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge properly
- Imbalanced jaw development
Expanding the upper jaw can help correct these issues and, in some cases, improve breathing through the nose. It can also establish a healthier foundation for future orthodontic treatments, such as braces or Invisalign®.
Who can benefit from rapid palatal expansion?
RPE is most effective between ages 7 and 14. Because the growth plate in the palate eventually fuses during adolescence, expansion becomes more difficult in adults and may require different treatment approaches.
Orthodontists often recommend an early evaluation to determine whether a child may benefit from palatal expansion or other early orthodontic treatment.
What can my child expect during rapid palatal expansion?
Dr. Mozayeni evaluates your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development using 3D scanning. If they’re a good candidate for RPE, she fits and attaches a custom palatal expander to the upper teeth to gradually widen their palate.
You or another guardian carefully turns the expansion screw once or twice a day using a small key provided by Mandana Mozayeni Orthodontics. Each turn gently widens the appliance.
The active expansion phase of RPE usually takes several weeks, though Dr. Mozayeni may keep the appliance in place for several months afterward to stabilize your child’s new jaw position.
Some children feel mild tightness after adjustments, but the discomfort is usually minimal and temporary, and the benefits last a lifetime. Learn more about RPE by calling the nearest office or booking a consultation online today.