A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is one of the auxiliary appliances that Dr. Kemp likes to use along with braces. The RPE is a wonderful appliance to use for patients whose upper jaw is narrow, protrusive and crowded. The Rapid Palatal Expander gently widens the upper arch (palate) by stretching the center palatal connective suture. Once the palate is widened, the suture knits together with newly formed bone. The Rapid Palatal Expander is prescribed usually prior to completion of growth. A parent or the patient adjusts the RPE every other day as instructed until the palate has been widened enough. The RPE is an excellent appliance especially to help change abnormal growth patterns. Please follow this link Rapid Palatal Expander to read more about the expander on our website.
