Help!! 8 yr old just got Herbst appliance

[janicet]

Hi-
My daughter is 8 and just got the Herbst expander 4 days ago. She can barely open her mouth and I haven't even turned the thing because she's in too much pain. I decided to wait until she's used to it before I start tightening it. She's got canker sores on one side.
What can I do to help her? She's actually eating OK surprisingly. I just hate to see her so uncomfortable. I've been reading older posts about rinsing with salt water. Should I have her start doing this now or after the sores heal? She's taking Advil and applying medicine to the sores regularly. I just want to know how long it'll be before she's pretty used to it and her mouth quits "rebeling" Our orthodontist said " a couple of days " ...yeah right!

Any advice is much appreciated!!!

[smf1971]

Don't worry she will come around. Just use the salt water and that should heal her mouth. As for the expander, it does take a couple of days till they adjust to it. Keep giving her the tylenol or children's Motrin on an as needed basis. That should help her with her aches and pains. My daughter drooled for three days till she got used to it. Everytime she tried to talk she had drool coming out of her mouth. But, after about three days or so she started to eat soft things and worked up to regular food. Cut the food up into tiny pieces works for her. The best thing that we use on my daughter after she is done eating is a water pik. I bought hers at Walmart for around $30.00 and that helps so much. She just went back to the orthodontist and they told her she had the cleanist expander that they have seen in a long time! Makes a mom proud! Just follow what the orthodontist gave you for directions to turn the key for your daughter. If you have a concern try calling back the orthodontist and ask them. That might put your mind at ease. Hang in there! It will get better!!!