New here, RPE upper and lower, braced in future
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:35 pm
Hi everyone!
I wanted to introduce myself. I am in my late 30's, and have wanted to have a nice smile...well...since I can remember! I have some crowding, as well as a bit of an overbite and just had RPE's placed in upper and lower a few weeks ago. The upper is removable, the lower is fixed. I did do a lot of research and know there is widely varying opinions about the use of RPE's on adults, but I feel comfortable with my decision. Way back when I was in high school ;), one of my best friends' mother had an upper RPE (but no jaw surgery) the same time as her daughter and her teeth turned out fantastic, and still are, so she has been a personal inspiration.
Anyway, the palate expanders have been an interesting experience thus far. The removable went in first, and the lower was fixed a couple days later after spacers were placed. I had a lot of difficultly getting used to them the first few days, mainly due to feeling like I was gagging plus there was so much extra saliva, but after that subsided it really hasn't been that bad. I actually look forward to the days I get to turn the keys as I feel it is bringing a nice smile an eensy teensy step closer each time. The RPE's will be on 6-8 months, and then onto braces/invisalign, maybe a twin block (?) if it is needed (now that looks interesting...not!)
The one thing that is making me nervous is the possibility of getting the large gap in my front teeth. I guess because I have always been self conscious about my teeth, I am worried that a large gap will make me even more self conscious. Crazy thing to worry about, huh? Has anyone else here with the RPE escaped the large front tooth gap, or is it just inescapable?
Nice to meet you all! I look forward to sharing more with you in the future:)
I wanted to introduce myself. I am in my late 30's, and have wanted to have a nice smile...well...since I can remember! I have some crowding, as well as a bit of an overbite and just had RPE's placed in upper and lower a few weeks ago. The upper is removable, the lower is fixed. I did do a lot of research and know there is widely varying opinions about the use of RPE's on adults, but I feel comfortable with my decision. Way back when I was in high school ;), one of my best friends' mother had an upper RPE (but no jaw surgery) the same time as her daughter and her teeth turned out fantastic, and still are, so she has been a personal inspiration.
Anyway, the palate expanders have been an interesting experience thus far. The removable went in first, and the lower was fixed a couple days later after spacers were placed. I had a lot of difficultly getting used to them the first few days, mainly due to feeling like I was gagging plus there was so much extra saliva, but after that subsided it really hasn't been that bad. I actually look forward to the days I get to turn the keys as I feel it is bringing a nice smile an eensy teensy step closer each time. The RPE's will be on 6-8 months, and then onto braces/invisalign, maybe a twin block (?) if it is needed (now that looks interesting...not!)
The one thing that is making me nervous is the possibility of getting the large gap in my front teeth. I guess because I have always been self conscious about my teeth, I am worried that a large gap will make me even more self conscious. Crazy thing to worry about, huh? Has anyone else here with the RPE escaped the large front tooth gap, or is it just inescapable?
Nice to meet you all! I look forward to sharing more with you in the future:)