Traditional Palatal Expander (RPE)

Next, your dentist will use a 3D intraoral scanner to capture a detailed digital model of your child’s teeth and dental arches. Unlike traditional dental impressions, this process does not require impression trays filled with putty, making it more comfortable for your child. 

Your dentist will also take photographs of your child’s smile, lips, and profile. Depending on your child’s needs, additional imaging such as an orthopantomogram (OPG) or lateral cephalometric X-ray (Lat-Ceph) may help assess jaw relationships and bone levels. 

Together, these records give your dentist a complete picture of your child’s oral health and help them design a treatment plan that is tailored to their needs.

After reviewing the findings, scans and imaging records, your dentist will explain your child’s orthodontic condition and whether a Traditional Palatal Expander is suitable. 

Your dentist discusses the amount of expansion required, how the appliance works and what you and your child can expect from the treatment. They will also explain the benefits, limitations and potential risks of treatment, including whether your child will require braces or clear aligners later. 

At the end of the appointment, you will be given an estimated treatment duration, an outline of the main phases, and a written quotation.

Before fitting the expander, your dentist will check that your child’s teeth and gums are healthy enough for the treatment. 

Where necessary, your child may be scheduled for a pre-orthodontic scaling and polishing or Guided Biofilm Therapy session with our Oral Health Therapist. This preparatory step is crucial as it ensures the structures surrounding your child’s teeth are strong enough to support treatment.

Once the appliance is ready, your dentist will carefully fit the expander onto your child’s upper teeth. The appliance sits across the roof of your child’s mouth and contains a small expansion screw in the centre. 

Your dentist will check that the expander fits securely and comfortably before explaining how it works. As the RPE is a fixed appliance, your child will not have to remember to put it on or remove it each day. 

You and your child will be given detailed instructions on cleaning around the appliance, choosing suitable foods and managing any initial discomfort. Your dentist will demonstrate how to activate the expansion screw if home activation is required.

The activation phase is when expansion begins. Depending on your child’s treatment plan, you may need to turn the small screw in the centre of the appliance using a special key. 

Each activation applies gentle, controlled pressure that gradually widens the upper jaw over time. Your dentist will provide clear instructions on how often to turn the screw and when to stop. 

During the first few days, your child may feel some tightness or pressure across their upper jaw. However, as their mouth gets used to the device, the pain will subside. You may also notice a gap forming between your child’s front teeth. This is a good sign as it means their palate is expanding.

Throughout the activation phase, your dentist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your child’s progress. Depending on your child’s needs, your dentist may adjust the activation schedule or provide additional instructions for home care. 

These appointments also provide you with an opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions about your child’s progress.

Once your dentist achieves the planned expansion, you will stop activating the screw. However, the appliance will remain in place for several months to allow new bone to form within the expanded palate and the surrounding tissues to stabilise.  

After the stabilisation phase, your dentist will assess your child’s teeth to determine the next steps. This may include braces or clear aligners to straighten their teeth within the newly created space.