--- title: Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) Guide for Parents at Smile Solutions canonical_url: https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au/rapid-maxillary-expander-rme-guide-for-parents-at-smile-solutions/ category: description: # Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) Guide for Parents at Smile Solutions If your child has been prescribed a Rapid Maxillary Expander, you probably have a lot of questions. What is this device, how does... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) Guide for Parents at Smile Solutions # Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) Guide for Parents at Smile Solutions If your child has been prescribed a Rapid Maxillary Expander, you probably have a lot of questions. What is this device, how does it work, what should you expect, and how do you care for it? This guide covers everything parents need to know about the RME appliance, written in plain language so you feel confident and prepared from day one. If you have any questions not answered here, please do not hesitate to call us on **13 13 96**. Our team at Smile Solutions is always happy to help. --- ## What Is a Rapid Maxillary Expander? A Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) is a special orthodontic device designed to gently widen the upper jaw, which is known medically as the maxilla. It creates more space inside the mouth by gradually expanding the palate (the roof of the mouth), helping the teeth grow into better, more aligned positions. The appliance works by applying gentle, steady pressure to the two halves of the upper jaw. In children and younger teenagers, these two halves are still connected by a band of tissue called the midpalatal suture, which has not yet fully fused. The RME takes advantage of this natural flexibility, slowly widening the jaw before the bones have hardened completely. This is why early treatment is so effective, and why waiting until adulthood can make this type of correction much more complex. --- ## Why Does My Child Need an RME? There are several reasons a specialist might recommend a Rapid Maxillary Expander for your child: ### Narrow Arch or Crossbite One of the most common reasons for an RME is a posterior crossbite, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them when your child bites down. This can occur on one side or both. Early correction of crossbites is strongly recommended, as they can affect jaw development, facial symmetry, and even the way the joints in the jaw function. ### Crowding If the upper jaw is simply too small to accommodate the adult teeth that are trying to come through, widening the jaw creates the space needed. In many cases, this approach can reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions later, which is always preferable for long-term oral health. ### Impacted Teeth When a tooth has not erupted because it is blocked by other teeth, palatal expansion can create the room needed for it to come through in the correct position. ### Improving Nasal Breathing The roof of the mouth forms the floor of the nasal cavity. Widening the upper jaw can increase the size of the nasal passages, improving airflow and breathing function. Some children with narrow upper jaws develop restricted nasal airflow, which leads to mouth breathing, dry mouth, and in some cases symptoms associated with sleep-disordered breathing. Palatal expansion is one of the tools used to address this. --- ## What Types of RME Are Available? **Traditional Fixed RME** The most common type is a fixed appliance, which is attached to the upper back teeth with small bands. It cannot be removed by the patient. It has a small screw mechanism in the centre, which a parent or child activates with a small key to achieve gradual expansion over time. **Removable Maxillary Expander** Some children are prescribed a removable version that can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Your specialist will advise which type is most appropriate for your child's situation. **Invisalign Palatal Expander** A newer alternative, the Invisalign Palatal Expander is a metal-free, nearly invisible device that provides gentle gradual expansion. Rather than using a key and screw, the patient progresses through a series of custom-made expanders, replacing them every two to three days. This option is designed to work alongside Invisalign First clear aligners for children who also need tooth movement as part of their Phase 1 treatment. --- ## What Can My Child Expect in the First Few Days? It is completely normal for the RME to feel strange at first. The mouth is not used to having something on the roof of the palate, and adjustment takes a little time. Here is what to expect: ### A Foreign Sensation When the appliance is first fitted, most children say it feels like there is something sitting on the roof of their mouth. This is entirely normal and fades as the mouth adjusts, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks. ### Difficulty Swallowing Swallowing may feel different or slightly awkward at first. The tongue has to find a new position to work around the appliance. This resolves on its own as the mouth adapts, usually within the first week. ### Changes in Speech Some children will notice their speech sounds slightly different, particularly with sounds that involve the tongue touching the palate. This is very common and typically improves within a few days to a couple of weeks with regular talking. Encouraging your child to read aloud or have normal conversations will speed up this adjustment. ### Increased Saliva Flow The mouth responds to any new oral appliance by producing extra saliva. This is completely normal and passes quickly as the appliance becomes familiar. ### A Gap Between the Front Teeth This one often surprises parents, but it is actually one of the most reassuring signs that the appliance is doing its job. As the upper jaw widens, a space commonly appears between the two upper front teeth. This gap typically closes naturally once the active expansion phase is complete and the jaw settles into its new, wider position. Please do not be alarmed by this development. ### Some Discomfort or Pressure Sensation After each activation (turning), your child may notice a feeling of pressure or mild discomfort in the roof of the mouth, the upper teeth, or even the bridge of the nose. This is normal and usually settles within thirty to sixty minutes of turning. --- ## How Do I Activate (Turn) the Expander? For traditional fixed RMEs, the appliance is activated by turning a small screw in the centre of the device using the key provided. Here are the instructions: **Turning schedule: three times per week, for example Monday, Wednesday and Friday.** To turn the expander: 1. Have your child tilt their head back and open their mouth wide in a well-lit space. 2. Insert the key into the small hole in the centre of the appliance. 3. Push the key firmly towards the back of the mouth (towards the throat) until you feel it stop. 4. Remove the key carefully by pulling it down and out. Only activate the appliance on the days instructed by your specialist. Do not turn it more frequently than prescribed, as this will not speed up treatment and may cause discomfort or complications. If you are ever unsure whether you have turned the appliance correctly, or if you cannot find the hole, contact our clinic on **13 13 96** rather than attempting multiple turns. --- ## How Do I Clean the RME? Good oral hygiene is especially important while your child is wearing an expander, as the appliance creates additional surfaces where food and plaque can accumulate. - **Brush twice daily** - morning and night - making sure to clean both the teeth and all surfaces of the appliance itself - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to clean around and under the appliance - After meals, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water to dislodge any food that may be caught in or around the appliance - A small interdental brush or water flosser can be helpful for reaching areas the toothbrush cannot get to Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment protects the teeth from decay and keeps the gums healthy, both of which are important for achieving the best treatment outcome. --- ## What Foods Should My Child Avoid? Certain foods can damage the appliance or become stuck in it, so it is important to adjust your child's diet during treatment. **Avoid:** - Sticky foods such as chewing gum, caramels, toffee, and fruit roll-ups - Hard lollies or sweets - Very hard foods like crusty bread, hard raw vegetables, and nuts - Chewy foods that require prolonged jaw effort **Good options:** - Soft fruit such as bananas, berries, and peeled apple pieces - Yoghurt, smoothies, and ice cream - Cooked vegetables, pasta, and rice - Scrambled eggs, fish, and soft cooked meats cut into small pieces Making these dietary adjustments from the start will keep the appliance intact and treatment on track. --- ## How Long Does Treatment with an RME Take? Treatment duration depends on the individual child and the degree of expansion required. As a general guide, the active expansion phase typically lasts several months, after which the appliance is left in place for a retention period to allow the bone to consolidate and stabilise before being removed. Your specialist will give you a more precise estimate based on your child's specific treatment plan. Regular appointments will be scheduled throughout to monitor progress. --- ## When Will My Child Need to See the Dentist? RME treatment requires regular review appointments with your specialist at Smile Solutions. It is also important that your child continues to see their general dentist every six months for check-ups and cleans during orthodontic treatment. If you notice anything unusual, such as the appliance feeling loose, a band coming off a tooth, or persistent pain, contact us promptly on **13 13 96**. --- ## What Happens After the Expander Is Removed? In most cases, use of a palatal expander is followed by further orthodontic treatment to align the teeth now that additional space has been created. This might involve Invisalign First, partial braces, or simply a period of monitoring until all adult teeth have erupted, at which point Phase 2 treatment may be recommended. Your specialist will outline the full treatment plan so you understand the complete pathway ahead. --- ## We Are Here to Help We understand that orthodontic treatment for your child can feel daunting, especially when an unfamiliar appliance is involved. At Smile Solutions, our team is experienced in supporting families through every stage of treatment, and we always take the time to answer questions and make sure you feel confident in what lies ahead. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's RME appliance, please call us on **13 13 96** at any time. We are here to help.