Well, the expander is coming out in 6 weeks!

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#1 Post by **smf1971** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:54 pm

Hi everyone!
My daughter is getting her expander out in 6 weeks. The expander is maxxed out and I can't turn the key anymore. So, they want her to get her expander out for 6 weeks and let her teeth relax a little. Then 6 weeks later they will put the same expander back in and we can start again. My daughter is not too thrilled about getting it out and then back in. Does this happen a lot?

#2 Post by **sauerkraut** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:02 pm

I wouldn't know if it happens a lot, but I can say that it wasn't our experience. Both my daughter and I had to leave our expanders in long after we'd finished turning, to let everything stabilise. Afterwards we needed retainers/TPA to help prevent relapse.

I suppose every situation is different but it sounds a bit odd to put the same expander in again later. If it's already turned to its maximum, how will you be able to turn it further when it goes back in?

I can also fully understand your daughter not wanting to go through the process of removal and refitting all over again. If they really are going to use the same expander, can't they let her just leave it there now she's used to it? Perhaps they think they're being kind giving her a break from it, but I know if it were me I'd rather leave well alone and "reactivate" it or whatever they need to do when the time comes. Who's to say the original expander will still fit after 6 weeks? - things can move around a lot in that time!

I think I'd be asking my ortho a few questions!

#3 Post by **sauerkraut** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:25 am

Ah, now that would make a lot more sense!

#4 Post by **smf1971** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 4:08 am

Well, let's see.... She went back to see the Ortho Dr. The assistant came back out and she told me that in 6 weeks which will be Nov. 20 my daughter was going to get her expander out so that her teeth could relax. They they would put the expander back in. I thought she said that it would be the same one. But, like you say, I will need to ask some more questions. My daughter would rather keep it in so she would not have to go through anymore mouth molds, etc. But, they said her teeth will relax and then the expander will go back in right after the holidays. But, I will call and ask about if it would be another devise. This is why I come here to Arch wire. You are always helping me out and giving me advise through these steps in my daughters life in the orthodontist. I will let you know what I find out! Thanks!

#5 Post by **smf1971** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:12 pm

Thank you! That sounds about right. But, I will still ask some more questions and see where this is leading. But, it looks like you nailed that one right! That is why I come here! Thanks again!