The RPE, or Rapid Palatal Expander, works by using the teeth as anchors to widen the upper jaw. You will see only a separation between the two front teeth which is sometimes very large. This space will close again in a few weeks.
The appliance is to be turned nightly prior to bedtime the specified number of times. Tylenol or Advil 45 minutes prior to this may help alleviate the discomfort, which will be primarily around the two front teeth and the bridge of the nose. After turning the screw the total number of times prescribed, please do NOT turn anymore. STOP TURNING after reaching the number of turns that were recommended. The RPE stays in place 3-6 months to hold the separation. Please KEEP YOUR KEY when finished with the turning as we may ask you to make additional turns later.
The roof of the mouth needs to be brushed around the back of the teeth as well as possible to prevent food from irritating the gums. In order to prevent irritation during sleep, you may place wax on the cheek-side of the teeth that have metal bands.
You should not drink any carbonated beverage because the carbonation can dissolve the cement used to affix bands to the teeth. We also ask that you NOT eat anything which fits into the category of "hard, sticky or chewy." Below we have listed some foods which we would like for you to avoid. This list does not include all foods to avoid. It is only a guideline to help you become more selective about the foods to be eaten to prevent damage to the appliance. In addition to these foods, pens, pencils, ice or anything hard which you put into your mouth can also damage the appliance or your teeth.
| Hard Foods: | Popcorn, Nuts, Peanut brittle, Hard taco shells, Doritos, Nachos, Pizza crust, Breath Mints, Ice, etc. |
| Sticky/Chewy Foods: | Caramel, Chewing Gum, Bubble Gum, Taffy, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Gummy Bears, Licorice, etc. |
There are still many things that you CAN eat with your orthodontic appliance. For example, fruit, raisins, Hershey Kisses, Nestle Crunch bars, Three Musketeers, M&M's (not peanut or almond), Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or Pieces, Peppermint Patties, Cotton Candy, Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Brownies (without nuts), etc.
It is a good idea to brush your teeth soon after eating a meal or snack to remove the food from around your teeth, gums and appliance. If you are unable to brush, then rinse well with water. Remember that one excellent toothbrushing is also required daily, preferably prior to bedtime.