Our Gallery
Dr. Mueller's Talented Work
We let our work speak for itself.
Explore remarkable transformations achieved by Dr. Mueller through the captivating Before-and-After Gallery.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SAPRE)
Understanding the Role of SARPE
Since palatal expansion involves separating the bones that make up the hard palate and join in the midline (called the palatal suture), it is better to perform this procedure at a younger age before the palatal suture becomes fused. The bones of the palate begin to fuse at the onset of puberty. Therefore, rapid palatal expansion should be performed between the ages of 7 – 11. If it is required after the age of 11, a surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) procedure is necessary.
Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) Procedure Information
With adolescents and adults, Dr. Mueller can expand the maxilla by using an RPE and having surgery performed. This procedure is called Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (SARPE). During the procedure, Dr. Mueller opens the palatal suture with side releasing incisions and activates the RPE appliance. Patients or a caregiver will turn the expander with a key after the surgery. The key is provided by your orthodontist, and Dr. Mueller will instruct you on how and when to turn the key. As the key is turned, the gentle “pulling pressure” that the bone realizes actually stimulates the bones to grow as the bones are separated.
After Dr. Mueller determines that you have turned the expander enough, and the cross-bite is eliminated, the RPE is left in place for about three months. This is so that the palatal suture can be closed with new bone formation and become stable. If an RPE is removed early, some of the width gained could be lost.
During the expansion, a space (a gap called a diastema) will develop between the central incisors. This is normal and expected. When it is time for the RPE to be removed, your orthodontist will then put braces on your upper teeth and will begin to close the gap.
A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is an upper jaw (maxilla) appliance that places pressure on the upper jaw by turning a midline screw. The pressure separates the mid palatal suture thus making the maxilla wider, which can correct cross-bites and create space. RPEs are used often to correct posterior cross-bites.
The RPE is made by an orthodontic lab to custom-fit your teeth.
After you turn the expander you will feel pressure. The pressure lasts for about 4 to 5 minutes. The pressure feels like taking your thumb and pushing on your teeth. So, an expander is not painful. You will have some pressure after activation for a few minutes and then it dissipates. Dr. Mueller will see you periodically after the surgery to monitor the healing and expansion.
Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion
SARPE Procedure
Role of SARPE in Correcting Posterior Cross-Bites
In a normal bite (occlusion), the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by about half the width of the upper tooth. When there is a large discrepancy of overlap due to transverse (right to left) jaw growth problems, the upper teeth can reside on the inside of the lower teeth in the back sections of the mouth. The result of this is called a cross-bite. We correct posterior cross-bites as soon as we see them because we can obtain more room for other un-erupted teeth. Also, a posterior cross-bite, if it is only on one side, can cause the lower jaw to grow asymmetrically to that side. Therefore, correction of a posterior cross-bite helps prevent asymmetrical growth of the lower jaw. Rapid palatal expansion is often used to correct this problem.
Recovery
Navigating Recovery After Your Procedure
After surgery, you will be on a liquid diet for 24 hours. After that, you will be on a full-liquid to a soft diet for several weeks. Dr. Mueller encourages optimal nutrition in the postoperative healing phase and advocates the use of vitamins, minerals, and protein supplements. Although some patients lose weight after surgery (an average of 5 – 10 pounds), they typically return to their preoperative weight once they resume a normal diet in 6 – 8 weeks.
You will have swelling for 1 – 2 weeks. Head elevation, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to keep the swelling down. Maintaining immaculate oral hygiene is also very important. Tooth brushing along with antibiotic and saline rinses are recommended.
Once the healing phase is completed, your orthodontist will begin the final phase of tooth movement. This final phase of treatment may take from 3 – 12 months to finalize your bite.
Learn More About Surgically-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SAPRE)
Discover if SAPRE is What You Need
Uncover the benefits of SAPRE, a surgical approach to treating transverse jaw discrepancies and posterior cross-bites. Dr. Mueller employs specialized techniques to expand the palate effectively, promoting optimal dental alignment and facial harmony. To learn more about SAPRE and its transformative impact, Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Schedule a Consultation
The consultation is perhaps the most important time spent between the doctor, staff, and patient. It is paramount that patients feel relaxed and be prepared to talk and listen. Some patients are nervous when it comes to talking to someone about their cosmetic concerns.
Please feel free to bring a spouse or friend along. It is always good to discuss the treatment at some point with a caregiver or support person.
We will address your concerns, and at the same time, Dr. Mueller will fully evaluate your facial features. He will then discuss the comprehensive changes of aging and the available options to improve and enhance your look. We will discuss your health history and how it relates to safe surgery and anesthesia. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history and have a list of all the medications that you are taking. This includes all supplements and over-the-counter medications. It is also important to know if you smoke and how much.
Dr. Mueller always reminds patients that facial cosmetic surgery is a want or desire to look better. There are always multiple options for rejuvenation and he will discuss various treatment options. We encourage you to take notes since we will be discussing many things. We will provide you with a list of procedures we discussed as well as their costs. We want all of our patients to feel satisfied with their cosmetic surgery results.
