Are TPA's really that bad?

Message

#1 Post by **Hibby91** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:36 pm

I am getting my TPA on soon and I've been hearing horrible stories about them, about how they are painful but most of all how they slur your speech! So I was wondering if anyone with a TPA or anyone who has had a TPA could give me a little insight.
Do they really slur your speech and how long does it take for your speech to get back to normal? Is the TPA visible to other people? How long does the pain last for? And what foods should I avoid? And any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm getting my TPA right before I get off for vacation...so I won't have to go to school for a week so hopefully I'll be used to it a little. Also is a TPA worser on adults or teenagers if anyone knows?

#2 Post by **Stich** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:14 pm

I have worn a TPA device for 14 months. It doesn't bother me at all now, but I have to admit that in the beginning it was hard to get used to. I did have to put thought in how I talked and when I got tired it would affect speech. It also felt strange when eating...a vague sense of choking, like I wasn't always swallowing everything. But I don't think this is common as most people seem to adapt to it quickly. I never really had any pain, just discomfort. In the beginning stringy or leafy food would get caught in it...but I can eat anything now and it doesn't bother me....I think you adapt how you eat. Other people cannot see it, it is hidden on the roof of your mouth. I did have an episode a few weeks ago when a upper arch wire was changed that the TPA device was rubbing the roof of my mouth and gave me a sore, but after a few days my teeth settled or something and the sore went away.

So don't worry. The TPA will feel odd at first, but everything does on this braces journey, and you will be surprised how quickly you get used to it.

Good Luck.

#3 Post by **Hibby91** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:25 pm

Thanks for the advice....I really appreciate I guess the only thing I have to worry about is my speech. Which I'll practice on my week off from school so hopefully by the time school starts it will be better.

#4 Post by **Metamorphosis** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:46 pm

Hi Hibby91,

I've have my TPA for 29 days. The first week or so it KILLED my tongue. it was quite painful, but it got a lot better really quick. Unfortunately, I still slur and have trouble with some sounds, and food gets stuck up there and drives me crazy. There really isnt anymore pain, but i have to admit, the lisp is still there. I feel like I dont sound like myself!

#5 Post by **Emerald** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:15 pm

Whats a TPA??

#6 Post by **fitchick** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:01 pm

Hi Hibby91,

I agree with everything that Stich said in the previous post. It did take me a few weeks to adjust to having the TPA in my mouth. It felt as though I was going to swallow it and choke on it the first afternoon, but by the next day I was ok. My speech was lispy, but I also had a bite plate and I think having both together made it more difficult. Its funny how you adjust to things so quickly though, and forget. It was only when I read Metamorphosis post that I remembered the pretty imprint of the TPA on my tongue! It's still there but I don't notice it any longer.

In answer to the question posted by Emerald - There is a very imformative section on the TPA in the section Popular Braces Topic on the Archwired home page. In my case, the TPA is to maintain my upper arch.

Hope this helps some. Stick with it though, you'll forget its there in no time.

Julie

#7 Post by **Hibby91** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:24 pm

Thanks for all the replies....I feel a little better about getting it....Hopefully the sppech problem won't be too big. iF anyone has tips on how they improved speech while having the TPA please post!

#8 Post by **Lisa65** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:36 am

I've got one too and have had it about 6 months. It probably took me a week or so to get used to it. It made my tongue a little sore at first but that soon toughened up.

Regarding the speech - your speech might sound a little odd to you but I can almost guarantee that nobody else will notice. The difference is very subtle. I checked by recording myself talking and it didn't sound as bad on the recording as it does in my head

Are you getting just the metal part of the TPA or will it have a Nance acrylic button as well? If it has a button it can be hard to clean under but I have found that I can wiggle a little proxy brush under mine. Swishing and spitting forcibly with water and/or mouthwash will help clean under it too.

Good luck
Lisa

#9 Post by **Hibby91** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:31 pm

Thanks Lisa you made me feel so much better about getting it.....I read alot of accounts about people who said that they couldn't even understand themselves when they spoke. You made me feel alot better.

#10 Post by **NotBob1** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 3:14 pm

Hi Hibby,

I wouldn't be too worried about it. I had one on my first run and remember that it made my upper moars really sore, but it did not seem to affect my speech. Currently my upper jaw is still too narrow, and while a TPA has not been mentioned, getting my upper jaw a little wider has. I would suspect that a TPA is in my future again. I'm not too worried about it though.

I think the only thing to be concerned about is the sore teeth, and we have all been down this road already......

Keep us posted!

#11 Post by **Hibby91** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:29 pm

Thanks NotBob. I'm getting my spacers put in on Febuaray 12 and than my TPA on the 16 so I'll tell you how it goes. Wish me Luck!