has anyone ever had a palatal expander?

Question

I have a narrow top jaw and need to get a palatal expander to make it normal.. does anyone know what this is and what it feels like?

I want to know if others can see it or if it is hidden..

Answer 1

Are you having surgery as well? My top jaw was shaped like a "V" so i need to get surgery to expand it. They glued the expander in my mouth and i had it for quite some time. when you first get it, it is going to be rather difficult to talk. i talked to myself all the time just to get used to it so i would stop spitting on people. when you eat food it tends to get stuck so make sure you brush your teeth because it will start smelling.

it does not hurt all the much. you get used to the feeling and it becomes a routine. you just insert a "key" into the hole in the expander and crank it how ever many times the dr. says. if you have a parent or spouse i would take them to the dr. with you so they can see how to do it. it will be easier for them to crank it. if the expander is on the top then you have to bend your head back to see and it is a litte akward.

you will be a little sore after you first get it but it will be fine. just another part of those blessed with not so perfect teeth. if you have any questions feel free to ask! :)

~chrissy~

Answer 2

A palatal expander's job is to enlarge the upper jaw inorder to make enough room for all the teeth, in those patients who dont have suffient space. Usually this is done in children (7+) as the palate is still soft and can be enlarged with the appliance. I was an adult when I had braces and it was determined that my upper jaw needed expansion as well. I had to have surgery first to "break" my palate, then the expander could do its job. The appliance is cemented (anchored) around 4 molars and not removeable. As it is in the roof of your mouth, most people won't see it unless you open real wide to show them.

I was very nervous and feared alot of pain the first time it needed to be "cranked" but FELT NOTHING! It looks like a medieval torture devise, but I never once felt pain, or even discomfort with it.

Like any orthodontic appliance, it took some gettin used to, and the thing that drove me the craziest was lettuce- it would always get wrapped up around the appliance in the roof of my mouth.

I have never reqretted gettin braces, even as an adult and needing surgery to complete treatment. My smile not only looks good, but becasue my teeth are in perfect alignment, my mouth is healthier in general - chewing properly, and able to floss more easily.

Answer 3

One of my nieces had this. I can't tell you how it felt, but I remember her telling me it was kindof like having braces (which she also had). They may have changed in the couple years sinch she had one but she had this thing she had to give one crank to every night. She said it was annoying but she got used to it and it really did help broaden her palate.
I think it was attached to the inside of her teeth and there were wires or bands inside her mouth attaching the sides, every night when you crank it it spreads a tiny bit more - which feels like pressure. The only other thing I remember about it was that thee were certain foods she avoided while she had it in.

Answer 4

reckoning on which one you have, your orthodontist could do a pair of countless issues to take off your expander. For me, it became a cord expander that had springs. My orthodontist used clippers to diminish it off and then shaved the pointy factors down along with his drill. It became thoroughly painless and have faith me it fairly is going to likely be lots extra tender once you get it taken off...good success!!