Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME)

Name: Angle House Orthodontics
Telephone: 03 9817 6427

What you should know about your RME?

This expansion appliance is designed to expand your upper arch and provide adequate space to later straighten your teeth and best match them with your lower teeth. Active expansion is usually for just a few weeks and then the appliance will remain in place, usually for 12 months or so, while new bone is generated in the expanded arch.

Widening the upper arch allows the upper teeth to line up properly, giving you a better bite. It can also provide the added benefit of widening the air passages, allowing you to breathe more easily through the nose.

Getting started

The fitting of the expansion appliance will require a couple of appointments:

1. At your first appointment, a scan will be taken of your teeth using our special Intra Oral scanner. Then Dr Kataria will place separating elastics between the upper molars to create space for the appliance. (20 minutes)

2. This appointment involves the fitting and cementing in place of your new expansion appliance. Once the appliance is in place you will be shown how it works. (30 minutes)

Activating your RME

For the appliance to work, it must be activated specifically according to the Orthodontist’s instructions. The patient should lie down with their head in mum or dad’s lap. To activate the appliance, insert the key into the hole – but no further – then gently and steadily push the key from the front toward the back of your mouth until you see a new hole appear.

It will then be ready for the next activation. You will feel some pressure as the arch expands and possibly, a tingling sensation at the bridge of your nose.

What happens next?

As a result of the activations, expect to see a space open between your two front teeth. This is a good sign that things are moving along well. The space will close once the expander is no longer activated.

You may also notice a slight change in your speech for a while. Speak slowly and distinctly until your tongue adapts to the change.

You can also expect to see an indentation appear on the surface of the tongue. This is usual and normally disappears after the appliance is removed.

How do I care for the RME?

Be sure to thoroughly clean your appliance. A child-size toothbrush is very helpful in cleaning in and around your expander. The RME is cemented into place. If, at any stage, it becomes loose or feels different in any way, please call the practice immediately. Remember to avoid sticky or chewy foods, which can loosen or break your appliance. If your appliance breaks, there may be a lab fee of up to $350 to repair/replace it.

Appointments

We will need to check you and your appliance regularly until Dr Kataria informs you to stop activating the expander. Dr Kataria will continue to see you while the expander is in the holding phase until it is ready to be removed.