(03) 9568 3100
info@sportho.com.au
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
  • Home
  • About
    • Your First Visit
    • Why Choose Us
  • Team
    • Dr Andrew Pepicelli
    • Dr Daniel Sable
    • Dr James Newby
    • Our Team
  • Treatments
    • Ceramic Braces
    • Early Orthodontic Treatment
    • Invisalign
    • Lingual Braces
    • Metal Braces
    • Suresmile
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Gallery
  • News
  • Referral Forms
  • Contact

Rapid Maxillary Expander

Yvette DingNewsNo CommentsJuly 12, 2016

RME

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. The Maxilla (upper jaw bone) has a midline suture (a joint between the bones) in the palate which will usually close at around the age of 16 years  in females and 18 years in males. Before this time, maxillary expansion can be simply achieved with an expander appliance alone. After the suture has closed (eg in non growing patients) a surgical procedure may be required to re-open the suture to allow expansion.

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 has a turning device in the middle of the appliance. A key is used to turn the expander which will widen the upper jaw by gradually separating the suture of the palate. The patient or parent will usually perform one turn per day to achieve the desired expansion. Normally the process will last from 3-4 weeks. The expander remains in place for  3-6 months to maintain expansion.

Three appointments are required in preparation for placement of the expander: Placing separating elastics on both sides of upper first molars to make space for molar bands; selecting molar bands for upper first molars and taking an impression or scan of the upper jaw to fabricate the expander; and finally, an appointment to bond the expander to the teeth.

During the turning process, a sensation of pressure around the palate and back teeth is normal. Analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are effective in reducing discomfort. There will be no visible change in the first several days. As more expansion is achieved, a space will appear between the upper central incisors. This space will begin to close spontaneously after expansion is complete and the remainder of space will be closed with braces.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Recent Posts

  • Hello 2021!
  • Why do I have to wear my retainer for so long?
  • What foods should I avoid with braces?
  • TWIN BLOCKS
  • Why is oral hygiene so important with braces?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • December 2015

Categories

  • News
© 2018 Sable and Pepicelli Orthodontists