Adults : Success with expanders??

[mickjordmoll]

I have expanders on both top and bottom. I just had everything applied on Tuesday.

When I tell people this I am getting a lot of negative remarks and comments about how adults have had bad experiences with expanders because bones are already fused, etc. Also that they end up with damage. Mind you, none of these people have had braces as adults and they've heard the stories by word of mouth.

So I am want to know from people who have actually had braces/expanders as adults. did they work for you? Did you end up having to have oral surgery in the end? Was there damage?

[dojo]

I didn't wear expanders, since my ortho decided to do extractions instead, but from what I read here many wore expanders and they seem to work. Let's say I'd rather hear from first hand experienced people, like our members here and an orthodontist that from some poeple who know someone who knows someone who had them and they were bad

[staje]

I have an upper expander and I also found a lot of negative info online. My Ortho did show me photos of previous adult patients who have gone through expander/braces treatments and I have to say, the looked great.

[mickjordmoll]

Thank you for the replies!!! I had it turned today for the first time. Yikes.. that was a lot of pressure. Twice a week for me.

[badbites]

I have one as well (upper)...only turn once a week though.

In 2-3 months, I'll be getting a lower as well, in addition to a bottom brace.

[sjs8906]

I wore an (upper) expander for something like 7 months (age 22). I had really great results, but mostly because my upper molars were originally tipped inward and it pushed them out to the position they needed to be in. Anyway, good luck!! Your mouth will feel amazing when the expanders are finally taken out.

[DrBill]

This is still a topic of debate; there was just a point-counterpoint published about six months ago in the AJO/DO (the official journal of the AAO) debating the issue. Suffice to say there is not one good answer! If the palate is severely constricted, the molars are tipped towards the cheek, an increased airway volume would be beneficial, or if there are questions about gum/bone tickness then surgical is probably best. Otherwise non-surgical has been effective in several studies. As always, the treatment plan depends on the diagnosis!