At Golden Kids Dental and Orthodontics, we provide rapid palatal expander (RPE) treatment for children who may benefit from widening a narrow upper jaw. Located in Golden, Colorado, our orthodontic team helps evaluate and treat developing bite concerns, including posterior crossbites, dental crowding, and insufficient space for permanent teeth.

A rapid palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance designed to gradually widen the upper jaw while a child is still growing. By taking advantage of natural jaw development, palatal expansion can help improve the relationship between the upper and lower teeth and create additional space within the dental arch.

Not every child needs a palatal expander. Our orthodontic team carefully evaluates each patient's bite, jaw growth, dental development, and treatment needs before recommending early orthodontic intervention.

We proudly serve families throughout Golden, Lakewood, Arvada, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, and surrounding Colorado communities.

Crowding:

After your child’s orthodontic evaluation or dental exam from their pediatric dentist, crowding/ insufficient space will be diagnosed. Narrow upper jaw and impacted teeth are both associated with crowding. Widening the upper jaw can create necessary space and reduce future need for tooth extractions.

Crowding may:

Prevent proper cleaning of all surfaces of teeth, contributing to decay
Block permanent teeth from erupting
Make a smile less attractive
Prevent proper functioning of teeth
Contribute to wear of teeth due to improper alignment

Crossbite:

One of the things orthodontists look for in a patient’s bite is that the upper teeth are out over the top of the lower teeth. When the patient puts their teeth together in occlusion (bite), if the upper teeth are on the inside of the lower teeth, this is a crossbite. This condition in posterior teeth (back teeth) can be corrected by widening the upper jaw with an RPE.

Reasons to correct crossbites:

Adverse wear of the occlusion(wearing down of teeth)
Asymmetrical growth of the lower jaw
Condition can get worse over time and collapse of the dentition due to incorrect forces
The bite is unstable

Rapid palatal expansion may provide important orthodontic benefits for children with a narrow upper jaw. By creating additional space and improving the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, expansion can help correct certain crossbites, address selected crowding concerns, and support developing permanent teeth.

For some children, early expansion may reduce the complexity of later orthodontic treatment or decrease the likelihood that permanent teeth will need to be extracted. However, results vary, and an expander does not necessarily eliminate the need for braces or shorten overall orthodontic treatment time.

Our orthodontic team evaluates each child's dental development, jaw relationships, and individual needs before recommending rapid palatal expansion.

Does a Rapid Palatal Expander Hurt?

Children may experience pressure, mild soreness, or a feeling of fullness in the mouth when a palatal expander is first placed or adjusted. Temporary changes in speech, swallowing, or saliva production can also occur while the tongue adapts to the appliance.

Most children become more comfortable as they adjust to wearing the expander. However, the experience varies from patient to patient. If your child develops significant pain, persistent discomfort, irritation, or a loose or damaged appliance, contact our orthodontic office for guidance.

Our team will explain what to expect during treatment and provide personalized instructions to help your child remain as comfortable as possible.

How to Care for a Palatal Expander

Proper oral hygiene and appliance care are important throughout rapid palatal expansion.

Helpful care recommendations include:

Brush carefully around the appliance and upper teeth to remove trapped food particles.

Rinse after meals and follow any additional cleaning instructions provided by the orthodontic team.

Avoid foods that may damage or dislodge the expander, particularly hard, sticky, or chewy foods.

Choose softer foods if your child experiences temporary discomfort after placement or adjustments.

Attend scheduled orthodontic appointments so our team can monitor the appliance and treatment progress.

Contact the office if the expander becomes loose, damaged, or uncomfortable.

Our team will provide specific instructions for your child's appliance, including how and when adjustments should be performed when applicable.

How Does a Rapid Palatal Expander Work?

A rapid palatal expander is a custom orthodontic appliance that sits across the roof of the mouth and is typically attached to the upper back teeth. Its purpose is to gradually increase the width of a narrow upper jaw.

In growing children, the two sides of the upper jaw are connected by a developing suture. A rapid palatal expander applies controlled pressure to widen the upper arch as directed by the orthodontist.

Orthodontic Evaluation
Our team evaluates your child's bite, jaw growth, tooth alignment, and dental development to determine whether palatal expansion is appropriate.

Custom Appliance Fabrication
If treatment is recommended, records or impressions are obtained to create an appliance designed for your child's mouth.

Appliance Placement and Activation
Once the expander is fitted, our orthodontic team provides specific instructions for its use. Certain expanders contain a small screw that a parent or caregiver turns with a special key according to a prescribed schedule. Never make additional adjustments beyond those instructions.

Monitoring Jaw Expansion
Regular orthodontic appointments allow our team to evaluate progress, monitor tooth and gum health, and determine when the desired expansion has been achieved.

Stabilization and Follow-Up
After active expansion, the appliance commonly remains in place for a period to help stabilize the results while the surrounding tissues adapt. Additional orthodontic treatment may be recommended depending on your child's needs.

Every child's treatment timeline is different, and our orthodontic team will explain the expected stages and follow-up schedule before treatment begins.

Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Blog

Welcome to the Golden Kids Dental & Orthodontics blog, where we share helpful tips, educational articles, and expert guidance for children’s dental health and orthodontic care. From cavity prevention and braces friendly foods to early orthodontic treatment and healthy oral habits, our goal is to help families throughout Golden, Lakewood, Arvada, Evergreen, Wheat Ridge, Morrison, West Pleasant View, and surrounding Colorado communities feel informed and confident about their child’s smile. Explore our latest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic articles designed to support healthy, happy smiles at every stage of growth.

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