If your child has a narrow upper jaw or a crossbite, we may recommend an RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander). It sounds intimidating, but it is one of the most effective tools we have.
Does it hurt? Most kids report feeling pressure in the nose/sinus area, but not sharp pain. You turn a tiny key once a day for a few weeks.
The result is a wider smile and room for all the adult teeth to erupt naturally, often saving the child from needing permanent teeth pulled later.