Palatal Expander Appliance (RPE)

Commonly used in early orthodontic treatment and orthodontics for teens, palatal expanders are orthodontic appliances designed to widen the upper jaw to allow for proper alignment between the top and bottom teeth.

Dr. Albert is your board-certified orthodontist in Simi Valley, creating personalized treatment plans for growing smiles.

If your child requires a palate expander, we’ll give you all of the information you need to support your little one through the process.

What does a palatal expander do?

The most common type of palate expander, the Rapid Palatal Expander is a custom-made orthodontic appliance used to widen the upper jaw during childhood or adolescence, when the bones are still developing.

You’ll ‘activate’ the palatal expander device regularly, according to your treatment plan.

Activation causes the appliance to expand slightly, which gradually and gently expands the upper jaw to the desired width.

This process creates enough space in the mouth for a healthy set of permanent teeth to grow without crowding or overlapping. ‍

How does a palatal expander work?

If your child needs a palatal expander, Dr. Albert will answer all of your questions and walk you through the process. We never want you to leave our office with unanswered questions.

Once you and your child are comfortable moving forward, here’s how it’ll work:

We'll custom-design and attach this appliance in our office. The Palatal Expander is anchored to the upper molars and includes a small plate that sits in the palate, with a small center screw.
At home, you’ll insert a special key into the center screw and rotate the key backwards, toward the throat.
Activating the expander will trigger it to exert gentle outward pressure on the upper teeth.
Over time, these small turns gradually increase the width of the jaw.

Who is a palatal expander for?

Palatal expansion with the Rapid Palatal Expander is effective only while the mid-palatal suture is still soft and flexible.

RPE orthodontics is recommended for children and pre-teens, usually between ages 6 and 13.

Dr. Albert may recommend a palatal expander to address:

What to Expect with a Palatal Expander

Complimentary evaluation: When you and your child visit us for your initial consultation, Dr. Albert will perform a detailed clinical exam, taking a high-quality 3D x-ray and 3D rendering of their teeth and bite, to assess their growth and treatment needs.
Custom fabrication: If a palate expander is the best treatment route, the device will be custom-made and fitted to your child’s upper molars. We’ll show you how to activate the device and how to care for it, and ensure that you feel comfortable.
Activation phase: You’ll turn a small key once or twice a day for 1–3 weeks, following Dr. Albert's exact instructions.
Retention phase: Once the palate has reached the desired width, the expander stays in place for a few months to allow the new bone to stabilize.
Next steps: Depending on your child’s needs, this phase may be followed by braces or Invisalign® to align the teeth.

Most children adapt to the palatal expander quickly.

Some may feel minor palate expander side effects, like a tingling sensation or temporary pressure in the nose or upper jaw, but this usually fades after the first few turns.

Throughout the process, we’ll be here to answer all of your questions, every step of the way.

Find Out if a Palatal Expander is Right for Your Child

Whether you’re noticing orthodontic issues in your child, scheduling your child’s first orthodontic check-up, or simply looking to speak with an orthodontist near you, we welcome you to Soul Orthodontics.

Schedule your complimentary consultation at our Simi Valley orthodontic office, and we’ll guide you through the rest.