Everybody gets an expander

Abstract

Seemingly every preadolescent patient that presents for an orthodontic consultation is prescribed rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment. Parents are forewarned of premolar extractions, lateral incisor root resorption from ectopic canines, or obstructive sleep apnea if they delay treatment. Are we exaggerating the need for Phase I RME in pursuit of two-phase treatment and increased revenue? Let's take a closer look at the history, trends, expectations, and proper timing of RME, with an emphasis on Phase I treatment.