Rapid Palatal Expander anyone????

[cloudy13006]

Thanks to everyone for easing my mind about the nose widening, I'm happy to hear this isn't an inevitable side effect of the expander! I know in the long run it will be worth it for her to have a beautiful smile!

 

[teentoddlermom]

Hello wonderful Disney friends. Haven't been on this board in ages, but wanted to let you know that we are in our first day of the palate expander, and I was fuzzy on instructions and what to expect. I did a google search on this and the fourth hit was the DIS boards! I read through the thread and think I got the most complete information on what to expect right here! Forget about dental sites or wiki.. just go to the DIS for any info you need!
Thanks!

 

[mamamary]

Hi. My DS (11) got his bottom braces yesterday - no problem. Then he got the expander put on the top of his mouth. Oh boy. I feel very bad for him. He is not one to complain but he is really uncomfortable. It's sore but it's more of the "It's hard to swallow" kind of thing. He has to wear it for at least 7 months. I called the office this morning just to make sure that they feel he will get used to it soon. They said usually by a week the kids adjust. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this. I think it would help my son to know some stories from other kids (only the good stories though ).

Thanks.

Mary

Well it's been over a year and my son's expander is finally coming off next week. The first week was bad but after that my son says he doesn't even know that it is there. Now he is afraid that it will hurt coming off. Anyone care to share their experiences with it coming off?

Thanks.

 

[littleteapot]

DD had one for 6 months when she was 7.5. She had no problems and never complained about it one time.

 

[Rora]

I had my first palatal when I was 4. The only thing I remember was having to be held down while my mom "turned the key" on the device so it would expand.

Then, I got my second palatal expander when I was older- it wasn't too horrible, I got used to it within a couple of weeks. Yes, it is uncomfortable for awhile but eat soft foods.

I can say now that it was all worth it and I have fabulous teeth.

Good luck to your son, OP!! Those things aren't a pleasant experience. Hugs to your son!

EDIT: just read your most recent post-- from what I remember (forgive me, it was a loong time ago) it didn't hurt to have it removed, it just felt weird. Very weird. But I don't remember any pain. Good luck!

 

[mjkacmom]

Dd12 got one when she was 9? Maybe it wasn't rapid, but she had no issues - had a hard time giving it up when she was 12 (late teether).

 

[Anilu]

My DD (12) is about to get her RPE. She has a cute little face. Some people say no effect on the nose from it and others say it makes it wider. What can I realistically expect? I'd hate to see her lose her nice little nose.

 

[mrsv98]

My DD (12) is about to get her RPE. She has a cute little face. Some people say no effect on the nose from it and others say it makes it wider. What can I realistically expect? I'd hate to see her lose her nice little nose.

DD started with hers when she was 9. She has a very narrow upper palate and ended up having it expanded 6mm! While it is in the expanding phase, her teeth and mouth will look funny. DD had a gap in her front teeth you could drive a truck through! However, once the expander is locked in place, you will be amazed at how fast things go back to normal. Now she is 11 and wears a retainer but aside from regular maturing, her sweet face is the same as ever

Welcome to the DIS!