Braces + Palate Expander (owch??)?!


Question: Well I get one or both of the above the day before anzac day, wondering if it will hurt. Is there any reason to be worried about the palate expander. I'm mainly want to know what its like an I'm only 13, my brother has had all of this stuff done to his teeth except palate expander so I do not have his reassurance. I am very worried as people say i hurts and yeah, I;m just confused so any information would help about either!!


Answers: Well I get one or both of the above the day before anzac day, wondering if it will hurt. Is there any reason to be worried about the palate expander. I'm mainly want to know what its like an I'm only 13, my brother has had all of this stuff done to his teeth except palate expander so I do not have his reassurance. I am very worried as people say i hurts and yeah, I;m just confused so any information would help about either!!

I had it done oh 25+ years ago so I could then get 8 years of braces. OK-sorry but yes it will hurt some. The worst was getting it turned the first few days-but I was in kindergarten at the time and had no clue what the devise was for all I knew was it hurt when turned. But once I got used to it, and once the palate wasn't so "set" after a few days it was no big deal. I did get annoyed that food got stuck between the devise and the roof of my mouth-just ask for a syringe so you can flush that spot out. My advise take motrin for the first few days to help with any pain (like 30 minutes before you need to turn it).

This is commonly referred to as a RPE or rapid palatal expander. This appliance will be worn for several months or until the palate or your arch has opened sufficiently. It's not that it's painful so much as it's bulky and takes some time to get used to. It is on the upper palate so the tongue has some adjustments to make with eating, drinking and speech. There may be some mild discomfort when the appliance is activated or cranked, but nothing serious. You will do fine after a few days. The main complaints I heard was in regard to speech, and the tongue being sore from playing with it. This is a site that will show you a picture of one and how it works. I hope I've been of some help and good luck with your ortho treatment. You may not want or appreciate this now, but you will be thankful the rest of her life. Good luck!





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories