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i hate this damn expander! it's ruining my social life. i do not want to go out and i do not want to talk because of this damn expander. My speech is dramatically affected by it. The doc says my speech is suppose to improve as the days go on, but i'm on my 5th day, and it hasnt improved much. I'm looking at 6 months with this thing on how did you all manage to survive with this torture device?
excuse me now, as i go hide under a rock now
1/21/06 - spacers and brackets
1/25/06 - 2 lower biscupids extracted
1/30/06 - lower archwire
2/13/06 - expander on uppers
You will adjust to the expander. I have had mine for 1 month. My speech was better after 1 week but was alot better after 2 weeks. It really is better to talk more to get use to the expander. Try to talk a bit slower - that really helps. I will have to wear mine for at least 9 months and feel if this is going to help my teeth get the orthodontic correction it needs then I'm fine with that. I'm not saying I enjoy having it, but I'm use to it. I am amazed at how it does move the teeth in such a short time.
Don't worry about anything! People do have worse than an expander. I had an expander for quite a while and yes, you get used to it. Just keep it cool and wait it out. In the end everything will turn out just fine. Hope you get through your troubles.