Palatal Expanders

Message

#1 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 5:55 pm

G'day everyone,

I'm a 22 year old who's in the process of getting braces. I've got a cross bite therefore I'll be getting an expander in a week or so. I've had spacers in for a couple of days and It sucks not being able to eat much at all but hopefully they'll be out before too long.

Anyway, I have a few questions for people with experience with these frightening palatal expander contraptions. Firstly, will the expander actually have any effect at my age? my orthodontist informed me that it's something like a 50/50 chance that it'll have an effect at my age. He says I can still get braces to straighten the few crooked teeth I have but if the expander doesn't work I'd need surgery to fix my bite (which I have decided that I won't be getting).

Secondly, how much more will I struggle to eat with the expanders when compared to the spacers? I'm already in enough pain when eating as it is & its only been 2 days with spacers lol. Am I doomed from the beginning?

If anyone could share their experiences with expanders in their 20's onwards I would appreciate it very much. I'd just like to have a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks in advance!

#2 Post by **felicia** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 11:37 pm

I got my expander at 27, it was a nonsurgical expansion since my doctor said that I only need it to make a little bit of room for my not very crowded teeth (to have an idea about how crowded, I will say that my canines were sitting very high, and they needed room to come down, and my two front teeth were overlapping a little bit). I had my expander for 6 months, and there was absolutely no pain caused by the expander. I did have difficulties eating at the beginning though, but I learned really fast how to chew, swallow, and which foods not even attempt to eat...like lettuce...
So, don't worry about the expander, you will get used with it...We learn to adapt, it's human nature...

#3 Post by **Vulcan** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:20 am

I'm curious, do you know which type of expander you will be getting? Felicia, did you notice the actual expansion and how long did it take for the arch to begin the process of expanding?

#4 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:11 am

felicia wrote:I got my expander at 27, it was a nonsurgical expansion since my doctor said that I only need it to make a little bit of room for my not very crowded teeth (to have an idea about how crowded, I will say that my canines were sitting very high, and they needed room to come down, and my two front teeth were overlapping a little bit). I had my expander for 6 months, and there was absolutely no pain caused by the expander. I did have difficulties eating at the beginning though, but I learned really fast how to chew, swallow, and which foods not even attempt to eat...like lettuce...
So, don't worry about the expander, you will get used with it...We learn to adapt, it's human nature...

Hey felicia, thanks heaps for your info! it's good to hear someone around my age has had success with them even though i'm not guaranteed the same result it's still good to hear. My teeth aren't overly crooked but I have a fair crossbite on me unfortunately. My orthodontist said that I'd need to turn the key twice a day which I'm guessing means that I need a fair deal of expansion? Did you have to turn yours once or twice?

It's quite reassuring to hear about the pain factor. Your right I'm sure I'll adapt to it eventually just hope its not in there for long!

Cheers for your help. Much appreciated!!!

felicia wrote:I'm curious, do you know which type of expander you will be getting?

Hey Vulcan, I'm not sure exactly what they're called but my Ortho showed me a picture of what I'd be getting and it looked similar to this:

#5 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 3:19 am

*I don't know how to edit posts, I meant crowded not crooked. But in saying that they obviously have to be crowded enough to form a crossbite so I guess they are crowded haha

#6 Post by **vlsh** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:21 am

Hi Canberra!

My ortho said the same thing about my expander and how it may not work and I "might" need surgery, and I'm 25! My crossbite isn't that bad the ortho said. I've had the expander on for 3 months now. The only thing I notice is that my cheekbones have a dull ache. Also, I don't see any noticeable difference in my cross bite

so I'm not sure if it's working correctly. I will be asking my ortho on the next visit in a couple weeks.

I don't have the expander that uses a key. Mine uses a spring. Here's a pic:

Sorry if it's kind of graphic haha. only had my SLR camera at the time. Anyways, I think the expander that uses a key will get you definite results.. because every time you turn it, it moves your teeth for sure. Whereas my spring expander, I'm not sure if my teeth are actually moving, the spring might not be strong enough, I don't know. I'll be asking my ortho.

you will have a lisp for a while, took me about a month to get used to. Eating w/expander will always suck, but you get used to it too. The spacers were the worst part for me, I thought braces and expander was going to be even worse, but they are MUCH more bearable.. for me that is. I don't think my braces or my expander felt as bad as the spacers did.

#7 Post by **uvraise** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 11:37 am

I had a non surgical palatal expander for 4 months. Surgery was not an option for me either. Both of my upper lateral incisors were rotated 90 degrees. So my ortho needed enough room to bring those suckers around straight. I turned my expander twice a day for two weeks then once every other day for the next four weeks. During the first two weeks, I had a slight headache after turning, nothing motrin couldn't handle. Eating is very difficult at first, but as stated by another poster, you learn what foods are easier to eat.

My advice, cut your food up smaller then usual, this will help it pass over the expander easier. keep plenty of fluids near when eating, you'll find food will get stuck on top of the expander when eating. Keep the expander clean, brush the expander mechanism when you brush your teeth. Invest in a water pick, its amazing how much food particles get trapped in and around the expander that brushing alone can't get! Your speech will be off for a while, speak slower and more articulate and the words seem to sound better, but you won't be singing "Sally sells seashells by the seashore". The expander is going to make your tongue raw at times, right dead center. Others have posted about getting a blister band aid and cutting it down, then wrapping it around the mechanism. The problem is you have to change it every time you turn. I personally only used a warm salt water rinse for this, within a day it would feel better.

By the way, I'm 40, my teeth are now pretty straight, I've had some IPR done to my two front teeth in conjunction with the expander. I'm completely satisfied with my results and even happier that I chose not to have surgery.

Lastly, it feel like complete heaven when they remove that archaic device!

Good Luck, feel free to PM me with any specific questions!
JOHN

#8 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 7:07 pm

vlsh wrote:Hi Canberra!

My ortho said the same thing about my expander and how it may not work and I "might" need surgery, and I'm 25! My crossbite isn't that bad the ortho said. I've had the expander on for 3 months now. The only thing I notice is that my cheekbones have a dull ache. Also, I don't see any noticeable difference in my cross bite so I'm not sure if it's working correctly. I will be asking my ortho on the next visit in a couple weeks.

I don't have the expander that uses a key. Mine uses a spring. Here's a pic:

Sorry if it's kind of graphic haha. only had my SLR camera at the time. Anyways, I think the expander that uses a key will get you definite results.. because every time you turn it, it moves your teeth for sure. Whereas my spring expander, I'm not sure if my teeth are actually moving, the spring might not be strong enough, I don't know. I'll be asking my ortho.

you will have a lisp for a while, took me about a month to get used to. Eating w/expander will always suck, but you get used to it too. The spacers were the worst part for me, I thought braces and expander was going to be even worse, but they are MUCH more bearable.. for me that is. I don't think my braces or my expander felt as bad as the spacers did.

Hi vlsh,

Thanks heaps for you insight! to me it doesn't even look like you even have a crossbite? maybe you can't see any improvement because its such a slight crossbite to start with?

Thanks for the picture! geez your teeth are looking damn straight. congrats! the treatment is obviously working for you. Let's hope mine is effective due to the turn key approach. fingers crossed.

I'm not really looking forward to the lisp lol. But hey I'm not too much of a self conscious person so who cares. Hopefully it won't be in there for too long.

I've gotta say, I've had a total of 8 spacers in for 6 days now (hopefully *touches wood* will be out tomorrow) and they suck! They're fine day to day but when I eat I can only barely eat from my right side and my left still is pretty painful. I guess its more crowded on the left? & damn am I sick of pasta lol. I hope I have a similar experience to you and my expander and braces are not as bad.

Thankyou very much for your reply. You and felicia have given me hope!

#9 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Sat Jan 09, 2010 7:29 pm

uvraise wrote:I had a non surgical palatal expander for 4 months. Surgery was not an option for me either. Both of my upper lateral incisors were rotated 90 degrees. So my ortho needed enough room to bring those suckers around straight. I turned my expander twice a day for two weeks then once every other day for the next four weeks. During the first two weeks, I had a slight headache after turning, nothing motrin couldn't handle. Eating is very difficult at first, but as stated by another poster, you learn what foods are easier to eat.

My advice, cut your food up smaller then usual, this will help it pass over the expander easier. keep plenty of fluids near when eating, you'll find food will get stuck on top of the expander when eating. Keep the expander clean, brush the expander mechanism when you brush your teeth. Invest in a water pick, its amazing how much food particles get trapped in and around the expander that brushing alone can't get! Your speech will be off for a while, speak slower and more articulate and the words seem to sound better, but you won't be singing "Sally sells seashells by the seashore". The expander is going to make your tongue raw at times, right dead center. Others have posted about getting a blister band aid and cutting it down, then wrapping it around the mechanism. The problem is you have to change it every time you turn. I personally only used a warm salt water rinse for this, within a day it would feel better.

By the way, I'm 40, my teeth are now pretty straight, I've had some IPR done to my two front teeth in conjunction with the expander. I'm completely satisfied with my results and even happier that I chose not to have surgery.

Lastly, it feel like complete heaven when they remove that archaic device!

Good Luck, feel free to PM me with any specific questions!
JOHN

Hi John,

First of all thankyou so much for your info & your offer for me to PM you. I'm sure I'll have more questions for you on the way haha.

I think I am in a similar situation to yourself. My right upper lateral incisor has rotated about 75 degrees and hasn't stopped rotating in the past year. That together with my lower right canine and 1st molar moving significantly due to crowding convinced me to get braced up. My ortho also said something similar to me to turn the key twice a week for a few weeks and then once from there onwards. So here's hoping it will work. I am beginning to feel more confident having heard from all three of your experiences.

Wow I have a lot to think about! I will have to look into a water pick this week. Sounds like keeping it clean will be barrells of fun.

Boy am I glad you were so thorough with your experiences with the expander. I am just going to print out your post and keep it as a reference of things to do and things to look out for and expect when I get mine. You have covered pretty much everything I could have asked for AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

Its great to hear that you're so satisfied with your results and everything worked out well for you. Just goes to show its never too late to get a expander I guess. Good on you for opting against surgery too. I respect that as I have a similar frame of mind.

I am extremely greatful for your help John! you are a champion!

I am so glad that I found this place, thankyou to everyone who has helped out with their experiences, pictures, tips, and everything! Thankyou!

#10 Post by **felicia** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 11:50 pm

I turned the key to my expander 3 times a week at first, then I only did it twice a week(I usually did it at night before I went to bed). I did all this for 2 months because when I went in for my appt my ortho noticed that my molars on the left side started tipping towards outside, so he told me NO MORE TURNINGS, and he decided to get me fully braced upper and lower. I had to keep my expander in for 4 more months.
And now to answer VULCAN's question about how long it took me to notice the expansion....honestly I didn't really notice the expansion happening(by my calculations I only expanded about 6 mm), I only noticed that my upper left molars started tipping outwards. The weird thing is that as soon as I stopped turning the key and I got my braces on, I noticed the expansion...I'm thinking that the arch wire started shaping my arch.
Now thinking back, it would have made me nervous to turn the key twice a day every day...because from what I've read on this site, usually people who had the surgery need to expand that fast. Us, who do the expansion with no surgery, it is also called "mechanic expansion", we need to expand a little bit slower.

#11 Post by **dawnmarie** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 8:13 am

I had an expander at 28 years old. I had it for 6-7 months. I had no key to turn but instead the spring expanded on its own with the heat of my mouth. The only way I knew that it was working was the fact that there was a small gap between the two plastic pieces that were on the roof of my mouth. Oh, and it ached some days and I would find that pressing my tongue against the roof of my mouth soothing...counter pressure and all. Yeah, lettuce I avoided the entire time. I got a waterpik and that became my lifesaver for getting food out from beneath it. It was nasty when it came out and once again I had to learn how to eat like a normal person again, but it worked for me! I've been expander free for nearly 9 months now and in braces for almost a year...they're coming off within the next 3 months! So, yeah, expanders work for people in their 20's!

#12 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 6:57 pm

felicia wrote:I turned the key to my expander 3 times a week at first, then I only did it twice a week(I usually did it at night before I went to bed). I did all this for 2 months because when I went in for my appt my ortho noticed that my molars on the left side started tipping towards outside, so he told me NO MORE TURNINGS, and he decided to get me fully braced upper and lower. I had to keep my expander in for 4 more months.

Now thinking back, it would have made me nervous to turn the key twice a day every day...because from what I've read on this site, usually people who had the surgery need to expand that fast. Us, who do the expansion with no surgery, it is also called "mechanic expansion", we need to expand a little bit slower.

Yeah I'm getting a little worried that I'll be turning it twice a day. It sounds like my crossbite is more severe than most others on here unfortunately. But hey I'll just hope for the best can't do much now I've already made the decision lol.

These bloody spacers are annoying as hell. I had 8 in for a week then my ortho took out 4 which made it slightly better but i'm still on pasta type foods everyday. I officially hate spacers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#13 Post by **CanberraRaiders** » Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:01 pm

dawnmarie wrote:I had an expander at 28 years old. I had it for 6-7 months. I had no key to turn but instead the spring expanded on its own with the heat of my mouth. The only way I knew that it was working was the fact that there was a small gap between the two plastic pieces that were on the roof of my mouth. Oh, and it ached some days and I would find that pressing my tongue against the roof of my mouth soothing...counter pressure and all. Yeah, lettuce I avoided the entire time. I got a waterpik and that became my lifesaver for getting food out from beneath it. It was nasty when it came out and once again I had to learn how to eat like a normal person again, but it worked for me! I've been expander free for nearly 9 months now and in braces for almost a year...they're coming off within the next 3 months! So, yeah, expanders work for people in their 20's!

Woah 6-7 months! god I hope I won't have mine for that long. I'm definately going to be investing in a waterpick. Seems to be a consensus on that. Wonder why some people have the spring one & others the key turning one? I'm assuming the key turning one is for more severe bites?

That's good to hear! how exciting. you must be counting down the days till your free.

You have all given me hope!

THANKYOU!!!

Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:31 pm

Bit of an update. The spacers FINALLY came out this morning after 11 days! (begone you evil little blue plastic donut things!!!!) and I had my expander put in. Already I have the urge to pull this stupid annoying piece of metal out of my mouth!

The two key turns are pretty bad so I'm dreading having to do it twice daily for the next 10 days

. Talking is a bit difficult but not as bad as I thought it would be. The excess amount of saliva is ridiculous hehe. But worst of all, eating with the expander is the most frustrating thing I think I've ever had to do. Everyone who has given me advice here were spot on it's bloody impossible to eat anything hard! I'd almost rather the pain of the spacers compared with the annoyance of food constantly getting stuck above the expander. It took me 30 minutes to get through half a bowl of pasta before giving up completely and turning to soup.

I went around asking for a waterpik which it seems like absolutely no one in Australia has any idea of what it even is and finally found this oral jet thing which is going to set me back 300 friggin dollars! Guess I'll have to buy off ebay.

Lets just say my experience so far has been anything but smooth sailing lol. Here's to hoping it gets better. /end personal frustration rant.

#15 Post by **vlsh** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:01 pm

@Canberra

Congrats on getting the expander in

If everything goes correctly, just think you'll be getting them out in 6-7 months! Especially since you have the screw type expander which gives definite results.

@ dawnmarie

did you have the same type of spring expander that looks like mine? (picture above in previous post)

can you please describe what two plastic pieces you're talking about? I don't have the same feelings on the roof as my mouth as you do, in fact, I don't feel anything at all except for a dull pressure i feel on my cheekbones. did you have any feelings like this in your cheekbones?
and how long into treatment until you physically noticed that the expander was working?

maybe im just paranoid about my expander not working

I just haven't seen any difference, and I don't see that it has corrected my crossbite yet. I've had the expander in for 3.5 months now.