A Maxillary Skeletal Expander — or MSE — is a bone-anchored palatal expander that is used to widen the upper jaw. Unlike traditional palatal expanders that work by pushing on the teeth, the MSE is anchored directly into the bone of the palate using small titanium mini-screws, allowing it to widen the jaw itself at the midpalatal suture.

It is a highly effective appliance for patients who need significant skeletal expansion — and understanding what to expect after placement will make the process much smoother. Here's your complete guide.