expander...questions?

[starfish3967]

i am back. well i am trying to gather as much information about expanders as possible so i am prepared because i am still a little nervous i have a couple questions...

--i was looking at pictures an noticed there were many kind of expanders. all my ortho said was a "palate expander". Is this a certain kind or all they all called that? If so...what is the difference?

--second i was wondering how/what could help me improve my speech faster.

thanks for the help.

[rsprouse]

--i was looking at pictures an noticed there were many kind of expanders. all my ortho said was a "palate expander". Is this a certain kind or all they all called that? If so...what is the difference?

This is a generic name for a device used to expand your maxilla. In simple terms it will put outward pressure on your palate expanding the arch. This is a very simple explanation, but you get the gist....

There are may different looks, think of it like putting tires on your car. Are you installing Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Kumho, etc. Are you installing all season, high performance, snow tires....

--second i was wondering how/what could help me improve my speech faster.

Practice makes perfect....Unlimited nights and weekends will be a nice bonus for your cell plan or unlimited mobile to mobile

Best,
Rory

[gunter8888]

There are quite a few types of palate expanders. Some require turning of screws; some have constant, "active" pressure; some are fixed/banded and others are removable. Don't hesitate to ask your ortho which kind you are getting, how it works and what it might involve.

As for talking I don't think any of us who have had expanders ever learned to talk the way we did without them. However, it is possible to adapt and learn to speak very well with it. The very best advice I can give is to just do it. Talk as much as you can. Don't be shy about it and don't pass up a chance to practice speaking. If you are dilligent you can get it down in about 2-3 weeks. Singing while alone in the car helped me a lot, too.

Best of luck!