What are orthodontic expanders?
Orthodontic expanders or Rapid maxillary Expanders (RME) are appliances used to treat crossbites and narrow palates. This specialist appliance is custom-made for each patient with a key and hole slot to activate the appliance.
Why choose orthodontic expander plates?
Minimal discomfort
RME is often described as less painful than traditional braces and can be well tolerated by children as young as 8 years old.
Early intervention
Treating issues such as narrow palates early means setting your child up for better health (and a more beautiful smile) throughout their life.
Highly effective
Due to being an early orthodontic treatment method, RME generates fantastic results while your child is still developing.
How does it work?
The RME will gradually expand the maxilla as the key is turned once daily until the crossbite and narrow palate are corrected. The appliance stays in the mouth for the duration of expansion treatment, without needing to remove it for eating or drinking.
This method of treatment is actually quite simple with minimal discomfort due to the fact that the upper jaw develops in two separate halves, only fusing together sometime during teen years. This means that the two halves can be gently guided into a new position before fusion takes place.
Who are orthodontic expanders suitable for?
Orthodontic expander plates are most commonly used to treat children between 8 – 10 years old with narrow palates or crossbites, however they are a viable option for patients up to 15 years depending on their maxillary structure’s maturity. For patients older than 15 years, there are modifications to expanders with temporary implants or surgery that can assist expansion. As a specialised method of treatment, we recommend booking a consult with one of our experienced orthodontists to discover whether expander plates may be suitable for you or your child.
