Rapid Palatal Expanders, or RPE, and Herbst appliances may be necessary for your child’s orthodontic treatment. So, what are they and why does your child need them instead of braces alone?
RPE
If your child has a narrow upper jaw that’s causing excess crowding, RPEs can widen the mouth to match the lower jaw. These appliances are typically attached with bands to apply gentle pressure on the upper molars. Throughout treatment, you will need to activate the RPE for your child at least once every day, depending on your child’s treatment plan.
In most cases, we can complete the expansion process within four to six weeks. However, your child will need to wear it for five to seven months to ensure the bone has formed properly in the expanded jaw. If mild discomfort occurs, you can give your child over-the-counter medication to alleviate any pain.
Herbst
While RPEs help to widen the upper jaw, Herbst appliances help align the teeth when there is a severe overbite. This appliance helps move the lower jaw out farther, while moving the upper jaw backward so the two align. Herbst appliances use a tube and rod to connect the top and bottom jaws.
Most patients require 12 months to complete this treatment. We will also use braces at this time to complete the alignment process. In the first few days, your child may experience sensitivity in the teeth, jaws, and cheek muscles, but this should pass in a few days. Similar to RPEs, we recommend over-the-counter pain medicine to help reduce discomfort.
No matter what type of treatment your child needs, we are here to help every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about starting your child’s treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.