Palatal Expansion Devices
Compare the leading palatal expansion devices to find the right treatment for your needs. From traditional RPE for children to advanced MSE and surgical options for adults, understand your options and connect with qualified providers.
Quick Comparison
All Expansion Devices
Rapid Palatal Expander
Traditional palatal expansion for children and adolescents. Widens the upper jaw by applying pressure to the midpalatal suture before it fuses.
Best for:
Children & Adolescents
- •Non-surgical
- •Fast results (2-4 weeks)
- •Most affordable option
Maxillary Skeletal Expander
Advanced skeletal expansion using mini-implants anchored to the palate. Achieves true bone expansion even in adults with fused sutures.
Best for:
Adults & Older Adolescents
- •Works for adults
- •True skeletal expansion
- •Minimal dental side effects
Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander
Combines traditional RPE with mini-implant anchorage for enhanced skeletal expansion in older patients where sutures are partially fused.
Best for:
Older Adolescents & Young Adults
- •Better than RPE for teens
- •Skeletal anchorage
- •Higher success rate
Distraction Osteogenesis Maxillary Expansion
Minimally invasive surgical approach that weakens specific bone areas to allow significant expansion in adults. Dramatic results possible.
Best for:
Adults Requiring Significant Expansion
- •Maximum expansion potential
- •Predictable results
- •Addresses severe cases
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander
Oral surgery procedure that releases bone resistance, allowing conventional expanders to work effectively in fully mature adults.
Best for:
Adults with Fused Sutures
- •Proven surgical technique
- •Works with standard expanders
- •Good for severe cases
Facegenics Midface Expander
Specialized device focusing on midface expansion to improve both facial aesthetics and breathing function through forward facial growth.
Best for:
Patients Seeking Facial Development
- •Midface focus
- •Aesthetic improvements
- •Breathing benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Palatal expansion is an orthodontic treatment that widens the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct crossbites, improve breathing, create space for crowded teeth, and enhance facial development. Various devices can achieve this expansion, from traditional RPE for children to MSE and surgical options for adults.
Yes, adults can achieve palatal expansion through devices like MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander), MARPE, or surgical options like DOME and SARPE. Since adult midpalatal sutures are fused, these advanced techniques use skeletal anchorage or surgery to achieve true bone expansion.
The best device depends on your age, the degree of expansion needed, and your specific goals. Children typically do well with traditional RPE, while adults may need MSE, MARPE, or surgical options. Consult with a qualified provider who can evaluate your individual case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Ready to Find a Provider?
Connect with qualified palatal expansion specialists in your area who can help determine the right treatment for your needs.
