Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) therapy improves children’s breathing by addressing underlying anatomical issues restricting airflow. It works by widening the upper jaw and nasal passages, presenting a promising solution for children with breathing difficulties.
Understanding how this treatment works and its impact on respiratory health in children highlights its value in paediatric healthcare.
Mechanism of RME Therapy
Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) therapy works by applying controlled lateral forces to the maxillary bones, widening the upper jaw and improving breathing in children. This orthodontic procedure stimulates bone growth and enhances the airway’s dimensions, addressing orthodontic and breathing issues.
Key Mechanisms of RME Therapy
- Midpalatal Suture Separation: Gradually separates the maxilla bones, creating more space within the oral cavity and nasal passages.
- Increased Nasal Airflow: The expanded maxilla allows air to flow through the nasal cavity.
- Improved Airway Dimensions: By widening the jaw, it can alleviate mouth breathing, snoring, and other airway issues.
By targeting the maxillary bones, RME therapy helps enhance the overall breathing efficiency in children.
Table: Overview of RME Mechanism
| Key Area | Impact on Breathing |
| Midpalatal Suture Expansion | Creates space within the oral and nasal passages |
| Upper Jaw Expansion | Widened jaw for better airflow |
| Improved Airway Dimensions | Reduces mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep issues |
Effects on Nasal Airflow
One of the primary benefits of RME therapy is improved nasal airflow. Expanding the upper jaw also expands the nasal passages, leading to better airflow through the nose.
Benefits of Improved Nasal Airflow
- Reduced Mouth Breathing: By increasing airflow through the nose, children are less likely to rely on mouth breathing.
- Better Air Exchange: Expanded nasal passages allow more air to pass through the respiratory system, improving oxygen intake.
Children undergoing RME therapy often experience fewer breathing issues and an overall improvement in respiratory function.
List: Nasal Airflow Improvements
- Increased nasal cavity space
- Enhanced breathing efficiency
- Reduction in mouth breathing
Impact on Sleep Quality
RME therapy can significantly enhance children’s sleep quality, especially those with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, such as snoring or sleep apnoea. By widening the upper jaw, RME therapy improves airflow during sleep and reduces airway obstructions.
Common Sleep Issues Improved by RME Therapy
- Snoring
- Sleep apnoea
- Mouth breathing during sleep
Better airflow during sleep leads to higher-quality rest and boosts a child’s overall well-being and cognitive function. By improving sleep patterns, RME therapy enhances day-to-day functioning.
Table: Sleep Improvements Through RME Therapy
| Sleep Issue | Improvement Resulting from RME Therapy |
| Snoring | Reduced by widening airway |
| Sleep Apnoea | Alleviated through better airflow |
| Mouth Breathing During Sleep | Decreased due to enhanced nasal airflow |
Benefits for Paediatric Patients
Beyond addressing sleep and breathing issues, RME therapy offers broader benefits for children. Enhancing respiratory function can also promote better oral posture and facial development.
Benefits of RME Therapy
- Enhanced Breathing: Increased airflow through the nasal passages and better oxygen intake.
- Improved Oral Posture: Widening the jaw helps prevent poor oral posture and long-term issues related to mouth breathing.
- Facial Development: Early intervention with RME can support proper facial growth in children, reducing the risk of future orthodontic problems.
By improving breathing patterns and overall respiratory function, RME therapy supports the healthy development of children.
List: Overall Benefits of RME for Children
- Better breathing efficiency
- Improved oral posture and facial development
- Reduced long-term health risks from improper breathing habits
Key Takeaways
Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) therapy is a highly effective treatment for improving breathing in children. By widening the upper jaw and expanding the nasal passages, it helps alleviate breathing difficulties, enhances nasal airflow, and promotes better sleep quality. This treatment is crucial in optimising respiratory function and overall well-being in children.
If your child experiences breathing or sleep-related issues, consult Dental Sleep Professionals for expert guidance on RME therapy.
Dr. Joachim Ngiam is a multi-award-winning dental sleep practitioner specializing in oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). With over 30 years of experience, he has published numerous studies in peer-reviewed journals and lectures nationally and internationally, offering effective, non-invasive treatments to improve patients’ lives.
