Removable Expander(s)?

[bethne3]

At my last ortho visit I had my upper and lower expanders removed because they had been "maxed out". I was hoping that I would be done with them forever since I've had them on for 8 months but my ortho told me that I need a second set and that this time they will be removable. Has anyone ever had removable expanders before? And if so do you have any pictures to share?

Thanks for your help!
Bethne

[gunter8888]

Ah yes, removable expanders! I have had mine for about 2 weeks now. Not too bad. Of course, I have never had a fixed expander to compare it to.

Mine looks like a Hawley Retainer, except that it has a Y-shaped split running from back to front and two screws. One screw pushes the sides outward and the other pushed the front forward. The forward-pushing screw won't be activated until my next checkup, but I turn the key on the other one every 3 days. I will try to post a picture soon.

I like that I can take it out to eat and brush. I have to confess that I occasionally take it out while talking on the phone w/ customers.

With a big slab of plastic over the roof of my mouth learning to speak with it in has been a challenge, but I am getting there.

Feel free to email me with any other questions.