What to do if my expander is cutting my tongue?
In the event a patient notices their quad helix expander cutting their tongue, they should contact our office as soon as possible. While the expander may bother your tongue at first, this should go away and tongue cutting should not occur.
What happens if I turn my expander too much?
The expander, when activated or turned, can cause some slight discomfort and tenderness near the bridge of the nose and cheekbones. To relieve any discomfort, Dr. Stormberg recommends over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (preferred choice) or acetaminophen.
Does an expander break your palate?
A Palatal Expander Widens the Jaw A palatal expander allows more space for future teeth to grow into, creates a more aesthetically pleasing smile and better aligns the upper and lower teeth. Contrary to the myth, a palatal expander does not break the upper jaw bone.
Why is it hard to swallow with a 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.
Can a mouth guard help with tongue thrust?
Those who have a tongue thrust may find that night guard helps to prevent soreness with their teeth. If too much pressure is placed on the teeth during the night by the tongue thrusting and forcing them forward, teeth can move and be sore in general. A guard can help to protect them from this pressure.
Does getting your expander out hurt?
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.
Does an expander change face shape?
Does Palatal Expander Change Face Shape? Palate expander will not make your face wider. However, if you have a facial asymmetry associated with posterior dental cross bite, then palatal expander can improve your facial asymmetry.
How long should an expander stay in?
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 palate expander stay in?
Typically, an expander will be in place for about 9 months total time.
How long does it take for an expander gap to close?
Rest assured this gap will close by itself as soon as the expansion is completed. After expansion, the expander must stay in place for 6 months in order for the upper jawbones to grow back together and form a new suture.
What is a quad helix palate expander used for?
It is often used to widen the upper jaw in the front and/or back and rotate the upper first molars. Here at Sims Orthodontics, we often recommend Quad Helix palate expanders for children with crowded teeth as it can effectively widen the upper arch.
How to keep the plate expander from cutting my tongue?
All I wanted was a tongue guard (or to cut off my tongue) to keep the plate expander from cutting my tongue but then I figured it out by looking at a plastic spoon on my bedroom floor. I took a plastic spoon (not the one off the floor) and broke off the handle but not all of it I left a little on the spoon part so that it was easier to grab.
Are there any complications associated with a quad helix expander?
The quad helix in general has very few complications or problems associated with it. Like anything else involving braces and orthodontics, a quad helix expander does take some getting used to. Expect about a week of mild discomfort, where the appliance may feel bulky and uncomfortable in your mouth.
Can a quad helix expander help you sleep better?
This can lead to increased risk of snoring, sleep apnea, and poorer sleep. A quad helix, and most any other orthodontic expander, widens the upper arch, creating more tongue space and avoiding the constricted airway problem. Whenever crowding of the teeth occurs, there are a few different options to fix it.