For those of you with expanders...

Message

#1 Post by **samantha_lou** » Sat Apr 07, 2007 9:22 am

Just had my second one cemented a few days ago, and my tongue is getting a really rough ride this time! (My tongue was never bothered once by the first expander) Its been painful ever since I got this expander! I don't feel like its getting purposefully scratched up, but I guess it must be. Anyone else go through this or have any ideas how to help?

#2 Post by **science teacher** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 4:26 pm

Well, I can sympathize with you and the expander thing.

I used a lot of salt water rinses to help my tongue heal. I was never sucessfull at putting the wax on my expander but you can certainly try it.

Kim

#3 Post by **awillis42606** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 5:10 pm

You have a second expander?!?! I didn't know they did two... I have one in the roof of my mouth right now and am starting to get used to it... talking and eating some what normally... I can't imagine having another one...

So what did they do? Take your first one out and then put in another (different) one... Just curious about this... And wondering if this is what I should be expecting...

I would recommend tons of salt water rinses... I'm also partial to peroxid rinses (50% water, 50% peroxide)... do those a lot...

#4 Post by **gramsinbraces** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 6:11 am

I had a horrible first two weeks with expander, deep groves in my tongue and so painful. My ortho packed it with wax and I did that myself for about a week also the salt water rinses. Now hardly notice that I have it except when food gets trapped which is daily. Pain gone and it's so hard to believe since it hurt so bad. You will get past this I promise. Lots of wax, soft food and salt rinses. Good luck You can do this.

#5 Post by **Amburly** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:20 pm

I have had my expander for over 4 months and I never had any major issues with it until I stopped turning the key. After I was instructed to stop turning my tongue was rubbed so much that it actually rubbed all the taste buds off my tongue. Food didn't have a taste and when I did finally taste somethings, everything tasted gross.

I did salt water rinses constantly and I upped the amount of salt I was normally using.

I know that when something like that is bothering you it is a neverending thing since your tongue constantly rubs the expander.

I really hope things get better for you!!!

#6 Post by **BillyNPhoenix** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:59 pm

Samantha~

Iâ€™ve had my upper expander in for about 3 months, and I understand your pain as I also had serious tongue issues. For some reason my expander came with two little â€˜hooksâ€™ that stuck out of the bottom of the bracket where it attached to the inside of my molars. It also had two rods sticking out the front of the expander that were used for installation, but then removed right away. My tongue was alright at first but then started to hurt more as time went on. I waxed and waxed and then mentioned to my Ortho at my next visit how the sores were getting worse.

He explained that because the expander has moved the sharp edges were at a different angle â€“ which is why they were rubbing now. He was able to grind the sharp ends of both the little â€˜hooksâ€™ as well as where the two rods were taken off the front. It is MUCH better now (although I still wax up when I sleep to avoid subconscious rubbing). Long story, but my advice is talk to your Ortho. I didnâ€™t want to sound like I was whining so I didnâ€™t say anything at first, but Iâ€™m glad I did; he was super nice and did all that he could so that I was more comfortable. I wish I had said something sooner.

Itâ€™s still annoying, but at least itâ€™s not as sharp. Good luck!