The First Few Days With Your Expander

Having an expander fitted feels very different at first. The appliance takes up some space on the roof of the mouth, so it is normal for eating, swallowing and speaking to feel awkward while your mouth and tongue learn to work around it.

Most children adapt surprisingly quickly, with the biggest adjustment occurring during the first few days.

What might I notice?

During the first few days, it is normal to experience:

• Increased saliva or some drooling
• Difficulty speaking clearly or a temporary lisp
• Eating and swallowing feeling awkward
• Mild pressure or tenderness around the teeth or upper jaw
• The tongue rubbing against or exploring the new appliance
• Food becoming caught around the expander

These symptoms should gradually improve as your mouth adapts.

What should I eat?

Don’t worry if normal meals are difficult immediately after fitting.

For the first few days, softer foods can make things much easier. Good options include:

• Yoghurt
• Smoothies
• Milk
• Porridge
• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potato
• Soft pasta
• Rice
• Soft-cooked vegetables
• Minced or finely cut foods
• Soup, provided it is comfortable to swallow

Try smaller mouthfuls, eat slowly and take regular sips of water.

As confidence improves, gradually return to a normal diet while continuing to avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that may damage the appliance.

Keeping Hydrated

Drinking is particularly important while your child is adjusting to the appliance.

Encourage small, frequent sips of water throughout the day if drinking a whole glass at once feels difficult.

If your child is unable to drink adequately, repeatedly vomits or appears dehydrated, please contact us.

Does an RME Hurt?

An RME should not cause severe pain.

Some pressure, tightness or tenderness is common after fitting and for a short period after the appliance is activated.

If required, age-appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, provided your child can normally take these medications and has not been advised to avoid them.

Severe or increasing pain is not expected — please contact us if this occurs.

Increased Saliva and Drooling

Extra saliva is common when an RME is first fitted.

The mouth initially recognises the appliance as something new and responds by producing more saliva. Swallowing may also feel unusual because the tongue has less room.

This usually settles as the tongue and swallowing muscles adapt to the appliance.

Speaking With an RME

Speech can sound different initially and some children develop a temporary lisp.

This normally improves with practice. Talking, reading aloud and simply using the tongue normally around the appliance helps the mouth adapt.

When Should I Contact The Look Orthodontists?

Please contact us if:

• Your child is struggling to maintain adequate food or fluid intake
• Swallowing is becoming more difficult rather than improving
• There is repeated vomiting
• Pain is severe or worsening
• The appliance becomes loose, displaced or broken
• There is significant swelling or injury to the mouth
• You are concerned that something simply doesn’t seem right

Seek urgent medical attention if your child develops difficulty breathing or is unable to swallow fluids or their own saliva.

A Quick Reassurance for Parents

The first day or two with an RME can look more challenging than parents expect.

Eating, speech and swallowing can initially be awkward, but children generally become much more comfortable as they learn how to eat, talk and swallow around the appliance.

If you’re concerned about how your child is adapting, please contact us. We’d much rather you call and check than worry at home.

Learn More

If you have been advised that you may need an RME expander, watch our video to learn how the appliance works, what to expect during treatment, and why early intervention can make a significant difference.

If you have any questions, our team would be delighted to help.