Most rapid maxillary expansion treatments employ fixed
tooth-tissue-borne and tooth-borne expanders. Rapid maxillary expansion is characterized by a widening of the midpalatal suture produced by forcing a lateral shift of the two horizontal processes of the maxilla.
The difference between the tooth-borne and the tooth-tissue-borne appliances is that the latter appliance has acrylic plates which cover the palatal mucosa bilaterally, and on which an 11-mm screw is fixed, and which further aid in improving the anchorage provided by the two bands placed on the first permanent molars
The occlusal radiograph has the advantage of allowing both an analysis of transversal changes in the dental arches and an evaluation of the skeletal effect of an appliance, by enabling observation of the midpalatal suture opening.
In this video we show you the Palatal Expander Appliance, also known as RPE. Here, we will show you how to adjust the RPE as well as what to look for and what to expect from your treatment.
