About GetExpanded
Our Mission
GetExpanded was created with a simple but powerful mission: to connect people with qualified providers of expansion devices worldwide. We believe that everyone deserves access to treatments that can improve their breathing, airway function, and overall quality of life.
By creating a comprehensive, searchable directory of providers specializing in various expansion devices, we aim to make it easier for individuals to find the help they need, no matter where they are located.
What Are Expansion Devices?
Expansion devices are specialized orthodontic and orthopedic appliances designed to widen the upper jaw (maxilla) and improve the nasal airway. These devices can have significant benefits for breathing, sleep quality, facial aesthetics, and overall health.
RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)
Traditional devices that widen the upper jaw by applying pressure to the midpalatal suture. Most effective in younger patients whose sutures haven't fully fused.
MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander)
Advanced devices that use mini-implants to achieve true skeletal expansion of the maxilla, effective even in adults with fused sutures.
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander)
Similar to MSE, these devices use mini-implants for skeletal anchorage to achieve more effective expansion in adolescents and adults.
DOME (Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion)
A surgical approach to maxillary expansion that combines minimally invasive surgery with a distraction device to achieve significant expansion in adults.
SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
A surgical procedure that weakens the bony resistance of the maxilla, allowing for more effective expansion in adults with conventional expanders.
FME (Facegenics Midface Expander)
Specialized devices that focus on midface expansion to improve both facial aesthetics and breathing function.
A Note for Newcomers
If you're new to expansion devices, it's important to understand that not all expanders are equal. Some provide far better results than others, and effectiveness can depend on your age and specific situation. However, regardless of age, some expanders simply shouldn't be used unless you're desperate and not willing to wait to pay for a better option (like FME).
Similarly, not all providers are equal. Some have significantly more experience and better results with certain types of devices. We recommend researching providers thoroughly and consulting with multiple specialists if possible.
Even if a provider isn't verified yet or doesn't have detailed notes listed but is in your area, it's worth giving them a call to learn more about their services. Many excellent providers may not yet have complete listings in our directory.
Benefits of Expansion
Proper expansion of the maxilla and midface can provide numerous benefits:
- Improved nasal breathing and airway function
- Reduced symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea
- Better facial aesthetics and symmetry
- Improved tongue posture and swallowing function
- Potential reduction in TMJ symptoms
- Better overall quality of life
Our Commitment
GetExpanded is committed to maintaining an up-to-date, accurate directory of providers. We verify providers when possible and continuously expand our database to include more specialists from around the world.
If you are a provider specializing in expansion devices or know of one who should be included in our directory, please submit them through our form to be added to our database.