Expander Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will it take the patient to adjust to expanders?
The first couple of days, the patient may feel like food is stuck between
the teeth, and the tongue may get sore from touching the expander while talking.
The patient needs to keep it clean with a toothbrush and mouth rinses. During
these first few days, one will experience discomfort because the teeth are
moving for the first time. This will subside significantly as the treatment
progresses. The patient may take ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve the discomfort,
or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Why doesn’t it work as well for adults?
In the upper arch the expander works by widening the midpalatal suture.
This suture is in the roof of the mouth and it turns into bone after puberty.
Once the bone is set, expansion may be painful and not stable. In the lower
arch the teeth mostly tip once the permanent canines have erupted fully.
- Do many people use expander therapy?
Yes. Expander therapy is very popular and has been for many years. Expander
therapy is especially useful in cases of very crowded teeth and crossbites.
- How long do the results last?
In children and adolescents the results are permanent. Retainers, of course,
will have to be worn after the braces. In adults, the results are pretty stable
as long as the expansion in minimal.
- What happens if the expander can’t be turned any more?
When the patient has reached the end, the expansion screw will not turn
any more. The patient should leave it alone until the next appointment.
- What if the expander feels loose and only one side comes off?
The patient should wiggle the other side out. If it does not come out,
the patient should call the office to schedule an appointment to re-cement
it. The patient should be careful chewing in the meantime.
- What if the expander comes off?
The patient should remove it, and NOT throw it away. The patient should
call the office to schedule an appointment to re- cement.
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