Metal Mouth Message Board

I just had my first consult with an ortho. At my consult, the ortho told me he would like for me to have a palatal expander put in. According to them I have a narrow palate, but there's no crowding, he more acted like it would just give me a much broader smile. I am in no way interested in any kind of surgery unless I'm dying! I don't take medication, and would be terrified of pain killers. Has anyone had this suggested and found that it wasn't necessary? What are some of your "palate widths" that did or didn't get expanded? I have a second opinion scheduled for Tuesday so I'm sure I will get more info then.

Thanks!
Erin

i'm afraid I don't have any masurements to offer you but I do know that my smile is now broader .. for example you can see more of my teeth when I smile and my crossbite is gone:) which is vey exciting...Not only dd I hav ethis for cosmetic reasons- but more importantly- to create a healthier bite for my treeth and my jaw...the doctors couldn't guarantee I would have problems as I aged if I didn't have the expansion but it would probably be the case...anyway I am thrilled with my results..hope this helps

did it hurt, cusse i am getting one on monday and i am worried

i had an expander. ( im only 14 now) i had one when i was 13 for about a year. tunred 2 tines a day everyday. it actualy dind't bother me at all. everyone makes them out to be horrid, but they really aren't bad.
and i actuually had very spaced out teeth, but he said my pallate still needed ot be widened.