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Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
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The appliance you have received is designed to painlessley widen the upper jaw, spread the palate and later hold the width while new bone is forming.This creates more space for your teeth and decreases the need to have any permanent teeth removed. Dr. Teel will then move your teeth to their correct positions using braces.
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You will be pushing the key back twice a day, just like you were shown, once in the morning and once a night for the next two weeks. Make sure to push the key completely back until the next hole appears. Your teeth may be tender for a few days and the foor of your mouth may feel itchy.
A large space will appear between your front teeth At the next appointment Dr. Teel will let you know if further expansion is needed. We will then check it monthly. During that time an appointment will be made to place braces on the front teeth to close the gap that has formed. Once the RPE is removed, palatal bar is placed to hold the width that was created.
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Please brush your RPE carefully and brush the roof of your mouth gently. Food and debris have a tendancy to get stuck up there. It is also a good idea to rinse with a mouthwash to keep everything clean.
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If either band comes loose or if something breaks, please call the office for an apppintment.
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