Why does a rapid palatal expander cause nausea?

Hello,

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I understand your concern. A rapid palatal expander (RPE) is a device placed on the upper jaw to expand the upper (palatal) bone with a key that needs to be rotated at fixed intervals. As you mentioned about the pukish feeling, I would like to know a few more details. Are you having an enhanced gag reflex (do you feel pukish when any foreign item goes towards the end of your mouth)? Was the feeling of nauseousness present since the beginning when the RPE was placed, or did it develop later on? Did you notice any shift in RPE from the original position? Could you share a picture of your upper jaw with the RPE so that I can evaluate the position of the expander? Sometimes, it takes a few days to adjust to the new object in the mouth. If there is any change in the mouth, the extra sensitive tongue will always go towards that area. Another reason could be that the RPE was placed without the proper height causing the tongue to hit it frequently, causing nausea. The RPE could have been placed more posteriorly towards the soft palate, causing the gag reflex. If RPE was positioned correctly, the nauseousness could be because you have an extra sensitive soft palate and tongue. Please share more information on the questions mentioned and a few clear pictures for better assessment and to provide you with the best possible advice. Do add on any further queries or ask for information required, and I will answer them. Regards.