Can an adult use an expander of some sort?

This is the place to post general questions and comments about all areas of orthodontic treatment. Before you post a question, use the forum's SEARCH tool to see if your question has already been answered!

New Members: YOU MUST MAKE A POST WITHIN 24 HOURS OF REGISTERING OR YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED. In other words, don't sign up unless you plan to actively participate in the message board immediately. This is necessary to keep out spammers and lurkers with bad intentions. Of course, you can read most forums on the board without registering.

DO NOT POST FULL-FACE PHOTOS or personal contact information on this website. We have had problems with people re-posting members' photos on fetish websites. Please only post photos of your teeth, not your whole face. Keep your email and your personal information private. Thank you.

Moderator: bbsadmin

Post Reply
Message
Author
maydel
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:51 pm

Can an adult use an expander of some sort?

#1 Post by maydel »

Can an adult use an expander of some sort? I really hope so. I noticed my cheeks have sunken in after extraction and shaving so I hope there is something I can use to re expand my jaw... Let me know thanks.
Top
AprilP
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2007 5:07 pm
Location: Orlando

#2 Post by AprilP »

Hi, I had a removable expander for a few months, it really wasn't so bad... It expanded my uppers about 8mm
Top
katybeth212001
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:12 pm

Yep

#3 Post by katybeth212001 »

Im an adult and I have an expander. It was the alternative to jaw surg to correct an overbite. It hasnt been that bad and from looking at my pre-braces pics I can see it was worth it.
Fingers crossed for March 2009 - braces come off!! I have expander, top and bottom braces and bands.....you name it, i got it.
Top
BoSox2008
Posts: 118
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 2:09 pm

#4 Post by BoSox2008 »

my arches were expanded using my braces and elastics. the process took 3-5 months but I have excellent results and a wide smile! I would recommend this route if it is an option.
Top
SunnyO
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:22 am

#5 Post by SunnyO »

I'm 36 and I have a RPE (non-removable). I was concerned that it wouldn't work in an adult without surgery, but I have been told it will. It's only been in for 2 weeks, so I can't say I've seen much difference, but some of my friends say they can see a change in my face. I have to continue to turn the key for 6 more weeks, then it will remain in place for an additional 2-4 months for everything to stabilize. I must tell you I truly hate this appliance, but I have confidence the results will be worth it.
Top
User avatar
insinu8
Posts: 120
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 12:02 am
Location: Silicon Valley

#6 Post by insinu8 »

yup, adults can use 'em.

There are a couple of different types. I've got the helix type. If you need more space in there for all your chicklets, these'll help.
Christopher

MY BRACES JOURNAL

Image
Image
Top
Jamesyeats
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:34 pm
Location: UK

#7 Post by Jamesyeats »

I have an expansion screw in my upper removable brace - my ortho says it will tip the teeth outwards (which is fine, as mine need tipped a little), but also expand the arch a few mm which I also need. I think some of the thinking that expanders don't work in adults without SARPE is older thinking, as I've read of a few people on here who have had them successfully without any surgery. Or maybe it goes on a case by case basis, who knows? Not me! :D
If you have the choice, I would pick a removable expander, I know that a lot of people have had trouple with speech and/or eating with fixed ones. Nothing unsurpassable, but I just like to be able to take my tops out and eat away!
Top
Marguerite
Posts: 104
Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2004 4:30 pm
Location: USA

#8 Post by Marguerite »

I've heard expansion doesn't work in women over 16 and men over 18. But there are definitely a lot of doctors who believe it does, or at least try it. I had to wear an upper non-removable expander twice during my treatment. I think it must have done some good, although I still ended up getting 2 bicuspids pulled.
Top
sauerkraut
Posts: 573
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:57 pm
Location: Germany

#9 Post by sauerkraut »

Yes, adults can have expanders but I have to say I'm not convinced that this would necessarily provide an answer for sunken cheeks.

I had SARPE and wore an expander for over 6 months. This has widened my palate as intended. I have also gained cheekbones with very slight hollows under them which I never had before. This isn't a problem for me and I'm nowhere near done with treatment yet anyway, but I just thought I'd better throw that in to the debate. Not wishing to spread gloom and despondency, but just to advise that an expander won't necessarily solve the problem...
Top
peach
Posts: 195
Joined: Sat Jun 09, 2007 2:56 pm
Location: USA

#10 Post by peach »

I'm 27 and had expanders for my upper and lower arches. They definitely did their job. I don't know if expanders will help with sunken cheeks though. You may want to talk with your ortho. about your concerns.
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Metal Mouth Forum”