What to expect when wearing a rapid palatal expander (RPE)

Patients will experience some tooth sensitivity for the first 2-3 days of turning and the upper teeth will feel loose and tender. This is normal and a sign that the appliance is working. Over the counter pain medication can help. As with anything in your mouth, the amount of saliva will increase at first but it will settle down. Before long you won’t even know you are wearing it and it will feel strange when it is removed.