Table of Contents
- 1 Is it normal for your teeth to hurt with an expander?
- 2 How do you get rid of the pain from an expander?
- 3 What happens if you turn your expander too much?
- 4 How long are expanders worn?
- 5 How long does it take for a jaw expander to work?
- 6 Do you get braces after an expander?
- 7 Do expanders change your face?
Is it normal for your teeth to hurt with an expander?
Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.
How do you get rid of the pain from an expander?
Painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Aleve can help alleviate pain associated with the expander. It’s highly suggested to take a dose about an hour or so before turning the key so you’ll feel as little pain or discomfort as possible, as key turning is probably the most uncomfortable part.
What happens if you turn your expander too much?
If the palate expander remains out of the mouth for too long, the upper jaw will shrink back to its original size and you will have to start the expansion treatment all over again. This will cause a significant delay in your overall treatment.
How long does palate expander pain last?
Does a palatal expander hurt? No, it doesn’t hurt. After the expander is turned you may feel pressure in the area of the teeth, and tingling around the bridge of the nose or under your eyes. The sensation generally lasts for about 5 minutes and then dissipates.
How much does palate expander move?
RPEs can widen the upper jaw at a rate of 0.5mm per day. Slow palate expansion can also be achieved by widening the upper jaw at a rate of 0.2mm per week.
How long are expanders worn?
Typically, an expander will be in place for about 9 months total time. This may vary from child to child depending on his or her needs.
How long does it take for a jaw expander to work?
How Long is a Rapid Palatal Expander Used? Expanding the palate is usually complete within three to six weeks. The appliance will remain in the mouth for a longer period of time. The appliance typically remains in the mouth for 5-6 months which allows the newly formed bone to mature.
Do you get braces after an expander?
Depending on your orthodontic needs, you may or may not require braces after wearing an expander. This is because braces correct the alignment of teeth that are already grown into place, which may not be necessary if an expander creates more space between teeth so teeth can straighten themselves.
What comes after an expander?
After we achieve our expansion in the upper jaw, the patient will be ready for braces. We will leave the expander in place and add the braces. This marks the beginning of the correction of the bite, crowding, spacing, and rotations.
How do you know if palatal expander is working?
Yes, it is normal to have a small gap between the front teeth. The appearance of a space is one sign that the expander has moved the two halves of the palate apart. The gap that forms is normal and desirable – you know the expansion is working when you see the gap between your teeth!
Do expanders change your face?
Additional orthodontic work is sometimes needed in more severe cases. A Herpst appliance or a palatal expander can move the jaw or widen the upper jaw. The ultimate result is a new smile and, in most moderate to severe cases, orthodontics change the shape of your face – subtly.