How do rapid maxillary expanders work?
Rapid maxillary expanders widen the upper arches of children as they grow, providing adequate space for teeth straightening and jaw alignment.
RMEs come with an orthodontic screw, which must be carefully turned at home according to the orthodontic specialist’s instructions. With each turn of the screw, the arch on the upper jaw expands, encouraging the lower arch to grow accordingly.
Typically, the active expansion lasts only a few weeks. After that, the appliance will stay in place while new bone develops in the expanded arch.
