Adult palate expander

[BraceFace2o1o]

The main reason I wore one was because my molars were tipped inward...so it served its purpose for me. It was hell to wear, but then, nothing in orthodontics is very fun.

I had the exact same issue as sjs8906, except it was my upper pre molars that were tipped inward. Since having the quad helix my pre molars are now no longer tipped inwards.

[badbites]

My ortho calls my expander an "arch expander". It's a variation of the Schwartz appliance and is fixed for the entire time of expansion (which is estimated at 12-18 months for me). I'm praying that I adjust quickly to this thing and that the time goes by just as quickly.

[cru199nine]

Does anyone know if there is a palate expander that pushes the palate out in only one direction to expand just one side and not both?

Thanks in advance!

[lillywag88]

Hey guys, was wondering if any adults on here have had their palate expanded? I am getting a removable one shortly to wear for a year, in articles i've read there seems to be 2 differing opinions, some saying you cant expand an adults upper jaw and others saying you can...was wondering if any of you have had upper jaw expanded successfully in adulthood...dont want this treatment to be a waste of money!

How did your expander work out?? I have one right now and I can't read enough info on them.

[Sorls]

It works great, but i still wear it almost 2 years later! My own fault though as i only wear it at night...my top teeth have definitely moved considerably, and im happy with the results so far...reason i only wear it at night is because i find it very difficult to talk with it...good luck!

[SixFootToo]

[quote="ArchWired28"][quote="denSMSgt"]I had one at roughly age 28/29 after having one as a teen. Let's just say it accomplished tipping mostly as an adult, because once it hit the point of expanding palate, I was in SEVERE PAIN that OTC painkillers didn't even touch. I'm guessing it was starting to do its job on my adult fused palate, breaking I assume. Had to go in where the ortho backed it off a couple turns and wired it off.
[/quote]
While I do understand and agree that you were in pain, I don't believe the expander could break your or anybody else's fused palate. The pain you were having most likely originated from the nerves being compressed by the teeth, forced to move beyond the capacity of your bone. But I also do agree that in adults, expander would mostly move the teeth towards the outer ridge of the bone and tip them outwards - essentially the same thing braces would accomplish. Some orthos just like using an expander, maybe due to the speed or convenience or some other reasons.[/quote]

Traditional Orthodontists will say only the teeth can move but there are a number of studies and Orthodontists that show otherwise. There is a 48 year old male on this message board that achieved 1/4" by slowly expanding his palate. No palate is 100% fused even as an adult (according to several Orthodontists)

[lynnsmile]

New to this board and I'm also considering a palate expander at 32 years old. How did it turn out for you?

[Grapefruit47]

I'm 23 and got my hyrax expander 3 months ago. I have noticed spaces and shifting of my bite. I only turned it 18 times over 2 months and my ortho says the expansion is complete. I'm a bit skeptical cuz I thought I would need to turn it more and expected to get a significant gap between my front teeth. I guess I just have to trust my ortho. It's just annoying to have it in for so long and not be turning it to get more expansion :/

[DEV12345]

I am a huge supporter of the ALF appliance. It has worked wonders and expanded my palate a considerable amount in only 2 months. It is best used in conjunction with cranial-sacral therapy. Check it out!

[Bracingfor33]

I have the spring loaded expander, does anyone seem to find it to be too thick at the back? Also, any tips on how to talk!?!

[Electric]

Traditional Orthodontists will say only the teeth can move but there are a number of studies and Orthodontists that show otherwise. There is a 48 year old male on this message board that achieved 1/4" by slowly expanding his palate. No palate is 100% fused even as an adult (according to several Orthodontists)[/quote]


Link to said thread? I went for a consult and he seemed to instantly decide that 3 way sagittal was what he'd use on me. Looks very bulky with acrylic pushing right onto the front teeth. I really am not wanting that flared out tipped teeth look.

[Swiper]

Does anyone know if there is a palate expander that pushes the palate out in only one direction to expand just one side and not both?

Thanks in advance!

I had a narrow upper arch and crossbite on one side.

I had the A.O.O procedure done (about 2/3 of upper teeth) and used an expander. Since the back of one side was not worked on, it served as an anchor point for the expander and only one side was pushed out. Without surgery I don't see how you could keep both sides from expanding.