Table of Contents
Can you turn your palate expander yourself?
While you can turn your expander yourself, it’ll be trickier to see the inside of your mouth. Have a family member or other adult turn the expander for you to make the process easier. Try laying down on your back and having an adult turn your expander with the help of a flashlight if necessary.
Is there an alternative to a palate expander?
A more effective, simpler, and less costly alternative than a palatal expander is to use an appliance called a space maintainer. Interestingly, baby molars are larger in size than the permanent premolars that replace them. A space maintainers holds the extra space that is left when the baby teeth fall out.
How can I expand my palate without expander?
There are ways to widen the upper dental arch without using an expander, but often a cemented palatal expander is the best solution. Sometimes the upper posterior teeth are tipped inward and the arch wires in braces can tip them outward, which will make the upper jaw wider without the need for an expander.
Does turning an expander hurt?
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.
What happens if I forget to turn my expander?
Q: What if I forget to expand it for a day or two? While not ideal, it is okay if a day or two is missed. Simply resume the expansion schedule that night. Do not try to overturn the expander to make up for missed days as this can cause excess pain.
How much do expanders cost?
How much does a palatal expander cost? The cost of treatment depends on your location and the orthodontist you visit. In most cases, a palate expander costs anywhere between $2000 and $3000. Since palatal expansion is medically necessary, most insurance plans cover most or all of the treatment costs.
What is the best age to get a palate expander?
A palate expander is effective when used at a young age. Typically, pre-pubescent kids use the expander before sutures close or grow. However, the ideal age of getting palatal expander is 12 to 13 years, especially for girls and 13 to 14 years for boys.
How can I push my teeth back?
Dental veneers are another viable method of pushing back teeth. Porcelain veneers or dental bonding is a phenomenal alternative option to correct teeth deformations. Veneers are thin, hard shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the tooth.
Is an expander really necessary?
The expander is most commonly recommended when there is a crossbite between the two arches or if there’s not enough space for permanent teeth to come in correctly. It works best for children and preteens because their bones are still in a growing phase.
Is a palate expander medically necessary?
Palatal expanders are necessary to correct skeletal jaw discrepancies. When the upper jaw is more narrow than the lower jaw, your child will have a bite problem. This includes a crossbite on one side or both sides in the most extreme cases. There are legitimate reasons to start your child’s orthodontic treatment early.
Are there different types of palatal expanders?
There are different types of palatal expanders including rapid palatal expanders, removable palatal expanders, surgically-assisted palatal expanders, and implant-supported palatal expanders. The rapid palatal expander (RPE) can be used for mild to severe cases.
How do you fix narrow palate in adults?
Once the mouth stops developing, fixing a narrow palate becomes more difficult. Jaw widening surgery is often the best treatment option for teenagers and adults. Surgery involves making a cut in the bone of your upper jaw and repositioning it with an expansion device.
How can I widen my mouth?
To make your smile wider, do this exercise every day: Keeping your lips in a closed (no teeth showing) smile, try to stretch the corners of your mouth out as far as you can. Hold this for 10 seconds. While holding that position, purse your lips slightly, so your teeth show just a little.
Can adults expand their palate?
As explained elsewhere on this site, palatal expansion is a simple procedure in children. However, the adult bone structure is set and can no longer undergo expansion unless it is assisted by a surgeon.
Can you turn an expander too much?
The expander will be activated ONLY one time a day, for approximately 28-42 turns. Do not turn more than prescribed by Dr. Stormberg.
How do you make expanders hurt less?
However, if you feel any minor initial sensitivity a few hours after an expander is placed, Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) in regular doses can alleviate the discomfort. It is exceptionally crucial to clean your expander, using the hygiene kit and instructions provided.
How long do you have to turn your expander?
The length of time you turn your expander or wear your expander depends on what we are trying to accomplish for you. Most patients have their expander 4-6 months. And when the day comes to take it out, don’t worry! It is quick and easy and painless to remove the expander.
How often should I turn my expander?
We typically recommend turning the expander two times a day for approximately two weeks to ensure your child is comfortable and has the best results.
How many times do you turn a palate expander?
Turn your palatal expander twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. At each turn you will see a new keyhole appear. If you do not see the keyhole, the turn is not complete. Since the palatal expander is moving the bone, you will feel some pressure below the eyes and at the top of your nose between the eyes.
