"pallet expander woahs.." poor DS

[Michelle]

Ann, Sammy's already been through that and a retainer and now we're in a holding pattern until she's a little older for braces. It really LOOKS way worse than it is; she is a persnickety kid and she adjusted to it within a couple of days. She actually LIKED when I turned the key!

The great thing is it WORKED as she had a VERY small palate. By using it we were able to avoid having a bunch of teeth extracted and her upper teeth fit MUCH better into her mouth now. Be prepared that his smile may get very gap-toothed for a while but eventually the teeth shift back into place.

{{{HUGS}}} to Mike -- and to MOM!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I do alot of babysitting and know many kids who had the palate expander. They are very common now. The kids all adapt pretty easily, though I can hear a slight difference in speech throughout the treatment. I recently had 8 extractions to get ready for braces. If they had palate expanders when I was a kid, I wouldn't have lost so many teeth as an adult.

And parents should NEVER feel guilty about getting these orthodontic appliances for your kids - a nice smile with straight teeth is vital and necessary for self-esteem and an attractive appearance. You are doing what's best for your kids.

 

[rae519]

How awful for these youngesters and the parents who have to go through this!!!

All I had was a 13 year old who didn't want braces and complained for the entire time he wore them! Now 10 years later he looks at the before and after shots and thanks us for "making him".

But he had nothing compared to some of your children and I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to "turn that screw"!

Hugs to all,
Rae

 

[Pete's Mom]

Originally posted by nancy679
Both my DD's had it, and they adjusted well within a day or two. I only had to turn the key for about 3 weeks, then it was locked in place for about 6 months, then that was it and the ortho took it out.

I had to have this when I got my braces at 25 years old. It really did hurt and I always had to get someone at work to "turn" the expander key for me since the hole and key are so tiny. The creaking noise my mouth would make would totally creep everyone out and my jaw would just ache until it got used to it which was usually right before it was time to turn it again. Sheesh!! Of course, I had to talk on the phone too at work. The thing that was really bad was the food that would get stuck in between the expander and the roof of my mouth. What a major pain!

The thing to remember is that even when you are through "expanding" you still have to keep it in for another six months. UGH! And you would not believe all the stuff that gets trapped in that you can't see or get to. It was gross when they took it out!

 

[AnnMorin]

well he still sounds just horrible I can hardly understand him. Thank God Fat Albert is not on anymore because I am sure his friends would start calling him mush mouth. He was able to get the yogurts down today so hopefully he can try some solid food tonight. Can't wait for the lip bumper...geez well at least I am getting something for my 5000.00...poor kid

 

[disneygals]

My dd, 10, is another happy graduate! Took a few days before her lisp went away. It made such a difference in her face (she had a cross-bite) and now she's waiting to lose more teeth to finish off the brace-face experience.

Good Luck to your son!

Vivienne

 

[laceemouse]

Thankfully my DD10 has a removable palet expander! It is kinda like a retainer. I guess her problems are not as severe. She lost the first one we got at school (threw it away) so now she only wears it at night. At this point dentist is thinking we may be able to avoid braces for her. My other 3 look okay. I had braces, DH did not and has perfect teeth! I guess we are lucky! All but the baby have glasses though, DH and I both have rotten vision! Now my 12 year old DD is begging for contacts, I'll let ya'll know about that!!!