The Palatal Expander you received today is an important step in our mutual goal to widen the upper teeth and supporting bone. The information provided here will help educate you about the appliance.
ADJUSTING TO YOUR NEW APPLIANCE
As you adjust to your new appliance expect the following during the first two weeks, all of which are normal occurrences: Increased salivary flow; Impaired speech; discomfort to teeth, gums, and top of tongue; difficulty swallowing; and difficulty brushing/flossing.
Avoid hot foods that may get caught in the appliance and burn the roof of your mouth like pizza!
USING YOUR APPLIANCE
The following guidelines must be followed exactly to maximize effect and minimize problems. A hand-held blue key will be used to activate (turn) the appliance.
You will turn 6 days only, 2 times each day once in the morning and once before bedtime – unless indicated otherwise by Dr. Papandreas. You will begin turns exactly 6 days prior to your next visit.
If you are concerned about the appliance at any time or you lose track of the number of turns, STOP TURNS and call the office as you can turn too far and cause damage to teeth and supporting bone. Activation of the appliance can last from one to three weeks. Dr. Papandreas must monitor progress closely, do not miss your appointments during this activation period.
Always hold the blue key tightly. Do not swallow or inhale the key…be careful! Always complete the turn to ensure the next keyhole appears for easy access on the next turn.
Mild discomfort during the first week of activation is expected. If necessary, over the counter pain medication can be used. If the discomfort is unbearable or persists beyond the first week, STOP TURNS and call the office.
Pressure sensations through the cheeks and nose during the first week of activation may also occur. Small clicks in the roof of the mouth can result during activation.
Spacing between the front teeth may appear but quickly goes away (usually within the first weeks after turns are stopped).
If you are in a stage of Early Intervention, your expander will be in place for the entire treatment. If you are in a stage of Comprehensive Orthodontics (full braces), you expander will be in place for a minimum of 6 months prior to removal.
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Papandreas Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a specialist evaluate every adult, and all children no later than the age of 7. Although treatment for kids rarely begins at age 7 the early detection of impending problems always leads to a simpler, less expensive future solution via proper timing. Dr. Papandreas provides the initial consultation with records and follow-up observations at no charge to all kids and adults. No referral is necessary for you or your child (you can also share this info with a friend); CLICK HERE to set a visit now. Do not hesitate pursuing this evaluation regardless of perception that ‘all is ok’, as many problems are not easily identifiable except by the Certified Orthodontic Specialist©.