Braces with Expander at the same time

[jbjalways]

Has anyone had braces put on the same time as the expander?

Ortho#4 has said he would do it all at once. He said he could get me a slightly wider arch between the braces and expander. No promises of anything since people are different. 24-30 months in braces.

Ortho #3 said he could give me an expander for 8-12 weeks before braces and said he could get me a wide beautiful smile. (just what I wanted to hear). He had pics of before & after. 24 months braces.

Both are about the same in price. Being that I'm 33 almost 34 I want this to be as quick as possible. I don't know which one to pick. Ortho #4's office is definitely nicer and more patient with my billion questions so I'm leaning that way.

I want to get this started and over with.

Help!!! What would you do?

[tkais]

My expander was put in place at the same time my braces went on. I wore my expander for only 3 months. My estimated time in braces was 24 months but it looks like it may be a few months longer than that.
Good luck with which ever option you choose.

[ShinySmile]

I'm getting an expander June 28th, and braces after a month of expansion. The expander should stay in for around 3 months after that for stability in my case!

[bethne3]

I have both a lower and upper expander plus braces.

[samantha_lou]

I'm completing treatment with more than likely two expanders before starting braces. Partly to do with insurance coverage, partly my own preference as to not have too much "stuff" in my mouth at once and partly my ortho saying it will make braces a lot easier if there is more room before we start.

Good luck in making your decision!

[jaws]

I had my upper and lower expanders put on at the same time as my braces, and I had my expanders for almost 14 months. The expanders were just taken out this week, and my braces come off within the next 2 weeks!