The Rapid Palatal Expander is a device commonly used in orthodontics to address issues related to a narrow upper jaw or a crossbite. The upper jaw, or maxilla, can sometimes be narrower than the lower jaw, leading to misalignment of the teeth and improper jaw development. The RPE is designed to gently widen the upper jaw by applying gradual pressure on the palatal bones.

My degree tells me that I am an orthodontist. However, in many ways, I consider myself a smile designer. My job is to use what I know about facial esthetics, facial balance, and optimal bites to create a healthy, beautiful smile for you.

You wonder if your braces, clear aligners, or lingual braces are going to hurt. The answer is there might be a little discomfort at first while your teeth begin moving…but don’t panic. Here’s what you need to know about whether modern orthodontics hurt and what you can do about it

Direct-to-consumer orthodontic programs make it sound easy and affordable. However, without the care of an orthodontist, modern orthodontics has plenty of things that can go wrong. We share 12 questions from the AAO to help you determine what is right for your smile.