RME Appliance Care

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME): What to Expect

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) is a treatment that can help to widen a narrow upper jaw. It is a common procedure for children and adolescents with crossbites, crowding, or other dental problems.

What to expect after RME

After RME, you may experience some discomfort, such as tightness in your teeth, gums, or even in the bones around your top jaw. This is normal and should subside within a few days. You may also notice a space between your two front teeth. This is also normal and will close naturally after a few weeks.

How to care for your RME appliance

Your RME appliance should be cleaned daily with a soft toothbrush and water. You should also avoid chewing hard foods or using straws while you have the appliance in.

If you have any questions or concerns about RME, please talk to your orthodontist.

Here are some additional tips for caring for your RME appliance:

  • Use the wax provided to help ease any discomfort.
  • Take a Panadol half an hour before you turn the appliance if you feel any pain.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods or using straws.
  • Brush your teeth and the appliance daily.
  • See your orthodontist regularly for checkups.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) can help to improve your smile and oral health. If you are considering this treatment, be sure to talk to your orthodontist about the risks and benefits.

How to Look After Your RME Appliance

It is really important to take care of your expansion appliance. You should brush normally, paying special attention to brush the whole appliance both on the cheek and tongue sides. Brush the screw hole to make it easily visible for the expansion. The expansion screw is normally turned once a day for 4-6 weeks. Expansion is then stopped and the appliance left in place for the next 6 months, with no more expansion. We will monitor the appliance over the next 6 months.

Will it Affect My Teeth?

When the RME is first inserted talking and swallowing can be somewhat challenging. There may also be extra saliva. This will improve quickly as you adapt to the appliance. To speed up the adaptation process, you can try doing the following things: Take small sips of water to help with tongue placement when swallowing. Read out loud/talk a lot to help pronunciation.

What Can I Eat?

It is important to follow a low sugar, well balanced diet whilst you have your RME. Try and stay away from any hard, chewy, sticky foods that may cause unnecessary pressure on your appliance. After eating, rinse your mouth with water. This will help remove any food trapped around your teeth and RME.

Will it Hurt?

You may feel some tightness and discomfort after you turn the key for the first time. A Panadol may help to ease discomfort.

What if My RME Becomes Loose or Breaks?

Your RME is a very sturdy appliance and if you are avoiding chewy and sticky foods it should stay in. In the unlikely event it becomes loose, please make sure you text us during business hours on 0436 391 138. If after hours, please use the chat bubble on our website.

How Often Do I Need a Check?

The first check will be in 3-4 weeks after it is bonded to your teeth. Then generally every 6-8 weeks.

What if I Lose My Key?

Please text us using the number above and we will arrange for a new one to be sent out to you. Alternatively, you can visit one of our clinics to pick one up.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) is a type of orthodontic appliance that is used to widen the upper jaw. It is often used to treat crossbites, crowding, and other dental problems. RME appliances can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, acrylic, and plastic. They typically have a screw that is turned to gradually expand the jaw.

Here are some of the benefits of RME:

  • It can help to improve the alignment of the teeth.
  • It can reduce the severity of a crossbite.
  • It can create more space for the teeth, which can help to reduce crowding.
  • It can improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Here are some of the risks of RME:

  • It can cause some discomfort, such as pain or pressure in the teeth, gums, or bones.
  • It can also cause some side effects, such as a sore throat or headaches.
  • In rare cases, RME can cause complications, such as damage to the teeth or gums.

If you are considering RME, it is important to talk to your Orthodontist about the risks and benefits. They can help you decide if RME is the right treatment for you.

The Orthodontix team is available to talk about all your Orthodontic needs.