Can you choke on an expander?

This is a major choking hazard for your child. Because of this risk, an expander that is loose on both sides should be removed completely by the parent. Place your child's appliance in a zip lock baggie and call your orthodontist immediately to schedule an appointment to have it glued back on.

What can you not do with an expander?

Do not eat sticky or chewy foods such as gum, taffy, caramels or licorice. Do not eat hard foods like ice, nuts or popcorn. Whole raw carrots, celery and apples should be cut into bite-size pieces.

Is it hard to swallow with an expander?

Initially, the expanders may make the roof of your mouth feel “full,” which can lead to concern about speech and swallowing. Rest assured that the “full” sensation is normal. With practice, both speech and swallowing will improve significantly within the first 24 to 48 hours.

How do you swallow with an expander in your mouth?

When you first have the expander placed, your mouth may produce more saliva. If this occurs, make a conscious effort to swallow normally by closing your lips and pushing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth. Dry not to "slurp" as it will drive your family crazy!

Do expanders hurt when you turn the key?

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.

You just got your palate expander, now what?

What color is best for braces?

Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones. Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter. Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow. Consider colors that complement or match your eyes.

How long does expander pain last?

Do Palatal Expanders Hurt? For the first few days after receiving the palatal expander, your child may experience some discomfort and difficulty speaking and eating. However, the expander should not cause pain.

Can you eat pizza with expanders?

The pizza part is ok. HARD PRETZELS, HARD ROLLS, BAGELS: They bend wires and break brackets. DORITOS, HARD TACOS, CHEETOS and the LIKE: They are too crunchy! APPLES: Slices are okay, just don't bite directly into the whole apple.

How do you make expanders hurt less?

Take Medication

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.

Can you eat pasta with a palate expander?

DO EAT - soft and saucy foods. These will not cause discomfort and will not risk damage to your expander device, especially the first few days after you get your new expander. Consider eating foods like yogurt, apple sauce, scrambled eggs, pasta, and other similar options.

How long are expanders left on?

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 expanders make you talk funny?

It make take up to one week to adjust to an expander. Your child may feel some pressure on the roof of the mouth and on the molar teeth. Your child may also complain that it feels funny to swallow as his or her tongue must adjust to the new appliance.

At what age should a child get an expander?

At what age should my child get palate expander braces? A child should get a palate expander at the age of 7-8 years. At this age, their jawbones are in the formation stage. Thus it becomes easier for the expander to do its job.

How painful are expanders?

There will be some discomfort at first, but there will not be a lot of pain. The expander may feel heavy in your mouth at first, since it is something new and different in there. When the palate expander is widened, you may feel some pressure in your mouth and on your tongue.

Are expanders worth it?

Your dental and overall health are indisputably connected. Any improvement made to your mouth or jaw is good for your overall health. As such, the pros of palate expanders entail more than just correcting dental issues. Using a palate expander can also improve breathing and reduce issues associated with poor airflow.

Why do orthodontist put top braces on first?

In addition, it is normal to start treatment by having the braces installed on the top teeth first. The top teeth and jawbone take longer to align and move compared to the bottom teeth. After a period of time, based on what needs to be done to the bottom teeth and jawbone, the bottom braces are then installed.

Why do expanders hurt so much?

Tissue expanders are temporary, expandable, balloon-like devices used after a mastectomy to stretch breast skin and chest wall muscles. This is done in advance of breast implants so that the chest wall and skin can accommodate them. Because of the stretching involved, tissue expanders can be painful or uncomfortable.

What candy can you eat with an expander?

Candies you can eat with braces

Chocolate (without caramel or nuts) Peanut butter cups. KitKats. 3 Musketeers.

Does it hurt to get expander out?

Will it hurt to take out a mouth expander? Most kids are scared of that appointment, not knowing what to expect. Even though the expander is glued in place, your orthodontist has special instruments to dislodge and remove your expander without major discomfort.

Do expanders make your nose bigger?

Myth #3: Expanders will make your nose wider

There are scientific research journals that show that there is some variation in the base of nose width after palatal expansion.

How do you clean expanders?

To clean expanders, brush around the bands, plastic, and support arms of your expander, and along the gumline. Additionally, use a proxibrush every time you brush to get into the small, narrow areas.

Can I drink soda with an expander?

It is strongly recommended that soft drinks be avoided during any orthodontic treatment. This will help to ensure your teeth stay healthy and strong during treatment which will lead to a beautiful smile. Soft drinks contain acids that pull calcium out of the enamel.

Do expanders change your voice?

They concluded, therefore, that rapid palatal expansion does not affect vocal quality or resonance, so it can be safely used with patients [30].

Do implants feel better than expanders?

After the permanent implant has been placed you will immediately feel more comfortable than when the expander was in place. The tightness will decrease quickly as the implant settles into the pocket.

Do expanders give you a lisp?

Expanders can feel a bit awkward when speaking or talking at first. Some kids lisp or drool a bit until they grow more accustomed to wearing the devices. With time and practice, it'll get easier.