Palatal expanders

[JoanWarwick]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone has had an upper palatal expander placed and a lower expander placed at the same time? Is this common? My orthodontist cemented an upper appliance and a lower appliance, and my upper arch wires on the same day. In just hours my tongue was gashed and bleeding, I could not swallow and of course my speech was not even understandable. Because I expected discomfort and adjustment, I tried to stick it out. After one week, virtually nothing but a few sips of water now and then, 8lb weight loss and several sick days at work, waking up every night choking on blood, I begged him to remove the lower expander. I consulted a speech therapist (on my staff) and she said there was no where for my tongue to move, to aid in speech and swallowing, and she had not previously ever seen them placed at the same time. With just the upper appliance, I can speak fairly well (a lisp of course) and I'm slowly regaining my ability to swallow (it's taken a week). It's not great but tolerable. He wants to reinstall the lower next month but I am terribly worried about it. Any input would be greatly appreciated. My orthodontist came with a good recommendation from my dentist, whom I trust and has all the credentials. Is it acceptable for me to ask to wait on the lower appliance until the upper is removed (9 month est)? Thanks so much!

[cru199nine]

I had an upper one placed when I was around 9 years old. I didn't know that lower palate expanders even existed but from what you've mentioned it sounds like a lot to handle at one time especially if you have to talk and speak normally at school or work. Would SARPE surgery help speed that process up so it doesn't take as long?

[JoanWarwick]

We didn't discuss surgery. This all began because my upper teeth on the right hit the bottom incorrectly so over the years they have worn down a bit. My dentist is worried much later on, in my older years, it will lead to damaged teeth, crowns and etc .... he seemed to think it could be done w/o alot of hassle and in a year or so. The orthodontist however ... had a much different opinion. The braces don't bother me .... but everything at once has sure been difficult. Thank you for your input. I appreciate it.

[mickjordmoll]

I have both upper and lower expanders. My upper expander has 3 gears to turn. I had my full set of braces applied at the very same time. I have had them on for a little over 2 months. I still lisp and I still have trouble eating... but it DOES get better! I am still turning 2 of my gears, the other two are where they are supposed to be at this point. If all goes well, the expanders will be removed in September.

Good luck!!

[lovemy3reds]

Wow. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I see this post is several months old, so I do hope you have adjusted by now. My just turned 8-year-old daughter received an upper and lower widening device 5 days ago. She is adjusting better now that a few days have passed. We are turning the upper device 2x per week and the lower 1x a week. I am so excited to find this board as I know we have a long road ahead in orthodontic care.