RPE Expander Instructions for Kids
RPE Expander Instructions for Kids
Phase 1 Orthodontic Guide to Using the Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
Why Use an RPE Expander?
The RPE expander gently widens the upper jaw while your child is still growing. This helps guide facial development, improve dental alignment, and reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later in life.
Benefits of the RPE Appliance:
Expands the upper jaw to correct crossbites and crowding
Creates space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Promotes nasal breathing and airway health
Helps balance jaw growth and support a healthy bite
Reduces the need for extractions or surgery later on
Cemented with fluoride-releasing material to protect teeth
Fits comfortably due to precise 3D printing technology
The RPE appliance is worn on its own for the first 2–3 months, then braces may be added. The expander stays in place for a total of 6–12 months to allow the bone to stabilize.
Why Use the RPE Expander?
The RPE expander gently widens the upper jaw while your child is still growing. This helps guide facial development, improve dental alignment, and reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later in life.
Benefits of the RPE Appliance:
Expands the upper jaw to correct crossbites and crowding
Creates space for permanent teeth to erupt properly
Promotes nasal breathing and airway health
Helps balance jaw growth and support a healthy bite
Reduces the need for extractions or surgery later on
Cemented with fluoride-releasing material to protect teeth
Fits comfortably due to precise 3D printing technology
The RPE appliance is worn on its own for the first 2–3 months, then braces may be added. The expander stays in place for a total of 6–12 months to allow the bone to stabilize.
RPE Activation Instructions
Overview
Every child receives a customized activation schedule from Dr. Phillips. Most patients are instructed to turn the RPE once a day or every other day for 4 weeks before returning for a check-up.
The screw inside the RPE appliance widens the jaw gradually. Each turn provides about 0.25 mm of expansion — making it both gentle and effective.
How to Turn the RPE at Home
Follow these RPE expander instructions to ensure safe and accurate activation:
Insert the metal key into the small hole at the front of the appliance.
Push the key down and back in one smooth motion.
A full turn is complete when you see the next hole appear in the screw.
Gently remove the key in the same direction of the turn — never pull it forward.
RPE Activation Instructions
Overview
Every child receives a customized activation schedule from Dr. Phillips. Most patients are instructed to turn the RPE once a day or every other day for 4 weeks before returning for a check-up.
The screw inside the RPE appliance widens the jaw gradually. Each turn provides about 0.25 mm of expansion — making it both gentle and effective.
How to Turn the RPE at Home
Follow these RPE expander instructions to ensure safe and accurate activation:
Insert the metal key into the small hole at the front of the appliance.
Push the key down and back in one smooth motion.
A full turn is complete when you see the next hole appear in the screw.
Gently remove the key in the same direction of the turn — never pull it forward.
Managing Discomfort and Oral Hygiene with the RPE
Discomfort
Some discomfort or pressure is normal, especially right after a turn. Your child may experience:
Increased saliva production
A feeling that the tongue has less room
Speech changes (like a slight lisp)
A different sensation when chewing
A bite that feels “off” as the teeth shift — this is expected and a sign the RPE is working
Most of this resolves in a few days. You may use over-the-counter Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed.
Oral Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential during palatal expansion. Here’s how to care for the RPE appliance:
Use an electric toothbrush twice a day to clean around the appliance
Use a water flosser daily to rinse under the expander
Rinse with water or child-safe mouthwash after meals
Discomfort and Oral Hygiene
Discomfort
Some discomfort or pressure is normal, especially right after a turn. Your child may experience:
Increased saliva production
A feeling that the tongue has less room
Speech changes (like a slight lisp)
A different sensation when chewing
A bite that feels “off” as the teeth shift — this is expected and a sign the RPE is working
Most of this resolves in a few days. You may use over-the-counter Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed.
Oral Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential during palatal expansion. Here’s how to care for the RPE appliance:
Use an electric toothbrush twice a day to clean around the appliance
Use a water flosser daily to rinse under the expander
Rinse with water or child-safe mouthwash after meals
What to Expect During RPE Treatment
Normal Experiences
During treatment with a palatal expander, your child may notice:
Temporary increase in saliva
Speech changes or a mild lisp (which improve with practice)
A small gap between the front teeth (a good sign of successful expansion!)
Pressure in the roof of the mouth or nose
A bite that feels different or shifting of teeth
A new sensation when chewing — this will settle as the jaw expands and stabilizes
When to Call Us
Please contact our office if:
The RPE expander becomes loose or comes out
There is persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection
Your child has trouble eating, speaking, or sleeping due to discomfort
If a turn is missed or reversed, simply resume the normal schedule. Do not try to catch up by turning more than once — it’s okay to be a few turns behind at your check-up.
What to Expect During RPE Treatment
Normal Experiences
During treatment with a palatal expander, your child may notice:
Temporary increase in saliva
Speech changes or a mild lisp (which improve with practice)
A small gap between the front teeth (a good sign of successful expansion!)
Pressure in the roof of the mouth or nose
A bite that feels different or shifting of teeth
A new sensation when chewing — this will settle as the jaw expands and stabilizes
When to Call Us
Please contact our office if:
The RPE expander becomes loose or comes out
There is persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection
Your child has trouble eating, speaking, or sleeping due to discomfort
If a turn is missed or reversed, simply resume the normal schedule. Do not try to catch up by turning more than once — it’s okay to be a few turns behind at your check-up.
Top Do’s and Don’ts for the RPE Expander
✅ Do:
Turn the RPE expander exactly as instructed by Dr. Phillips
Turn down and back with slow, steady pressure
Use an electric toothbrush and water flosser every day
Practice reading aloud to help adjust speech
Eat soft foods for the first few days
Call us with any concerns — we’re here to help!
❌ Don’t:
Eat sticky, chewy, or hard foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, or hard candy
Skip turns or double up unless directed
Pull the key forward when removing it
Ignore loose or shifting appliances
Try to adjust or fix the RPE at home
Top Do’s and Don’ts for the RPE Expander
- ✅ Do:
- Turn the RPE expander exactly as instructed by Dr. Phillips
- Turn down and back with slow, steady pressure
- Use an electric toothbrush and water flosser every day
- Practice reading aloud to help adjust speech
- Eat soft foods for the first few days
- Call us with any concerns — we’re here to help!
- ❌ Don’t:
- Eat sticky, chewy, or hard foods like gum, caramel, popcorn, or hard candy
- Skip turns or double up unless directed
- Pull the key forward when removing it
- Ignore loose or shifting appliances
- Try to adjust or fix the RPE at home
Frequently Asked Questions (RPE FAQs)
How long will my child wear the RPE expander?
Typically, the RPE is worn alone for 2–3 months, then followed by braces. The expander stays in for a total of 6–12 months to stabilize the jaw growth and ensure lasting results.
Is palatal expansion permanent?
Yes. Expansion at this age creates skeletal changes to the upper jaw, which become a permanent part of your child’s facial development.
Will the RPE expander hurt?
Your child may feel mild pressure or tightness after a turn, but it should not be painful. Tylenol or ibuprofen is safe and effective if needed.
What happens if we miss a turn?
Just resume your normal schedule. Don’t try to catch up — we’ll review everything at your next visit.
Why does my child’s speech sound funny?
That’s totally normal! Their tongue is adjusting to sharing space with the expander. Encourage them to read aloud to a parent or themselves — this helps speech return to normal quickly.
What should we do if the expander comes loose?
Call us. We’ll bring your child in to check and re-cement the RPE if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my child wear the RPE expander?
Typically, the RPE is worn alone for 2–3 months, then followed by braces. The expander stays in for a total of 6–12 months to stabilize the jaw growth and ensure lasting results.
Is palatal expansion permanent?
Yes. Expansion at this age creates skeletal changes to the upper jaw, which become a permanent part of your child’s facial development.
Will the RPE expander hurt?
Your child may feel mild pressure or tightness after a turn, but it should not be painful. Tylenol or ibuprofen is safe and effective if needed.
What happens if we miss a turn?
Just resume your normal schedule. Don’t try to catch up — we’ll review everything at your next visit.
Why does my child’s speech sound funny?
That’s totally normal! Their tongue is adjusting to sharing space with the expander. Encourage them to read aloud to a parent or themselves — this helps speech return to normal quickly.
What should we do if the expander comes loose?
Call us. We’ll bring your child in to check and re-cement the RPE if needed.
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ENCINITAS OFFICE
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Encinitas, CA 92024
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment
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PHONE
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MIRA MESA OFFICE
10737 Camino Ruiz #210
San Diego, CA 92126
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment
ENCINITAS
PHONE
(760) 943-7770
ENCINITAS OFFICE
761 Garden View Court #101
Encinitas, CA 92024
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment
MIRA MESA
PHONE
(858) 578-1822
MIRA MESA OFFICE
10737 Camino Ruiz #210
San Diego, CA 92126
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment