Expander Just In - HELP!

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leeann38
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Sep 25, 2005 2:24 pm
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Expander Just In - HELP!

#1 Post by leeann38 »

Hi everyone! My name is Lee Ann, and I am a 23 year old college student. I am studying to be a speech language patholgist - and man do I have a speech problem right now!

I just got my upper expander in on Monday, and I can't stand it. It is removable, and I have to remove it to eat and brush, but I wondered if anyone had any coping advice.

You see, it fits into my mouth, covers my upper hard palate, and it also covers the surface of my upper teeth from my incisors back. I can't close my teeth and it is so uncomfortable. Do you know if they make expanders that just sit behind your teeth, or is this something that I just have to get used to? I am going back for a check up on Monday, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Thank you!!

Lee Ann
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bracesgrrl
Posts: 55
Joined: Thu May 19, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: By The Seashore

#2 Post by bracesgrrl »

Hi Lee Ann, welcome to Archwired. I have a non-removable expander on the roof of my mouth and I was not able to speak normally for a least two weeks, like maybe even longer to say things like "whiskey". I have a job that requires me to speak with people all over the world ( In English only), I am a client service rep.. but what I mean is that yes, it was difficult at first to communicate with them but then I got used to my expander and now my biggest gripe is that food still manages to get stuck up in there, but it has gotten better than it was when I had it put in 6 months ago, maybe 7 months ago. It will get better, just remember to keep it clean =(i.e. rinse out with water and Listerine) and floss and brush. You'll do great, I'm sure. Shoot, I'm such a baby when it comes to pain, but for a sexy new smile, it's worth every bit of pain. :-}

BracesGrrl :wink:
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leeann38
Posts: 4
Joined: Sun Sep 25, 2005 2:24 pm
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

#3 Post by leeann38 »

Haha, thanks. It is getting a little bit easier, but if it was non-removable, I would not be able to wear it. It covers the surface of my upper teeth, so there is no way that I could chew food. Every time I want to eat or drink something, I take it out, eat or drink whatever it is, then I brush my teeth and the expander and I rinse my mouth out and the expander off with listerine. I use ACT at night for the fluoride.

Thanks for the help!
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