help, really not happy

Message

#1 Post by **hyperscorpio** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:39 am

Ok, so today I got my braces on. Fixed uppers and a quad helix expander, due to get fixed lowers in a while, not sure when yet.

The quad helix expander is absolutely awful. I know that everyone is told that this can be expected for the first few days/first week, but I honestly do not know how I can cope with this for however many months it's supposed to be on for.

I cannot eat a thing, not even soup, it feels like I'm choking when I try because my tongue is so sore. My speech has been affected, I have a lot of trouble saying certain words. To make matters worse, the fixed braces are making my front teeth feel incredibly sensitive.

Does anyone have any experience with the quad helix expander? My ortho says it will improve but I'd rather talk to someone who's been through it themself. I am honestly tempted to ask my ortho to take the whole lot off.

Thanks in advance

#2 Post by **chiclet123** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:20 pm

I don't have the experience with that particular appliance, but I do have a bar running behind my lower teeth and attached to some teeth in the center. Needless to say, this made me slur my speech pretty bad the first week or so. I, too, couldn't begin to eat. Now in my second week and while I still have to cut my food in tiny pieces and am not eating much as a result, I am speaking more clearly and only notice the slurring when I am tired or have had to talk all day long at work. I think it does get better, although, I was right there with you that first week. I couldn't see how that could possibly be true! Hang in there!

#3 Post by **ohmyjaw** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:53 pm

I had one of those during my first round of braces, as a kid. I went through two different types - one metal one and one big plastic one. The plastic one was terrible - I kept gagging on it. But this did subside after a few days.

Don't call it off yet. Give it a few days, and things will improve. And do try to eat. Ice cream maybe? The cold might be soothing. Also try rinsing with salt water; it will help with the irritation.

#4 Post by **iBorg** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:46 pm

I can only tell you what my ortho tells her patients. Give it a week. If you want them off after a week, she'll do it. She hasn't had anyone take her up on it.

Mike