Rapid Maxillary Expander

A Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) is a custom-made orthodontic appliance which is bonded to the upper back teeth and is used to widen the upper jaw.

• Expand your upper arch.
• Aid in making room for crowded teeth.
• Helps promoting symmetry.
• Helps achieve a better bite.
• Improve the nasal airway.

Maxillary expansion is used for patients with a narrow upper jaw. When indicated, widening the upper jaw will achieve a better relationship between the upper and lower jaws for normal function and wear, allow for ideal dental and skeletal development and can also create space for crowded teeth.

The expander is cemented in place and the patient is required to turn a screw in the appliance.

A gap will open between the upper front teeth, don’t be alarmed this is normal and the space will be closed as treatment progresses.

Expect to wear your RME for approximately six months while expansion is taking place. The appliance will then remain in place for several months after expansion is complete while new bone is filling the space.

The difference between a jaw expander and braces is that braces move the teeth, while an expander gently separates and widens the two parts of the upper jaw making more room for crowded teeth and promoting symmetry.