My son has just gotten his expander in preparation for braces. He is so uncomfortable right now trying to get used to it. I just hate seeing him this way and am wondering how long it usually takes to get acclaimated to it? He says that his back molars hurt all the time and I know it's because of the pressure that he is not used to. Aside from telling him it will get better and giving him ibuprofen I don't know what else to do. It's only been two days.
Thanks for the support - the worst is behind us, I hope. A weekend of camping helped - I wasn't there and he had to learn to eat what was prepared. Funny though - he likes the feeling after we crank it. Let's hope this goes by quick....
Hang in there. He should be through the worst of it by now. My son went through this. He didn't like it much, but the expander stage is over fairly quickly (about 6 weeks of expanding for him). He's only got to wear braces for 2 years (he has only one yr left to go right now), and I had to wear them for 7 years when I was growing up. I remember the ache in the teeth very well. It will get better.
I had to wear one-only I was several years older and it is painfull. The only thing I remember is it got better once my jaw started to move and some of the pressure eased off. I hate to say it will prob. be a while before he fells any relief! Once it moves and they seal it off, the pain stopped but it is strange having something in the way all the time! I feel for him, hope it gets better soon!
Ughhhh...I definitely feel for your son!!! I remember having mine when I was little and it was awful. I hope I don't have to go through it with any of my kids. I don't remember how long it took to get used to it and I'm not sure I ever did completely. Not that it always hurt, it was just bothersome having it in your mouth and learning how to eat with it and, of course, always uncomfortable to have it turned. My mom always did it at night right before I went to bed and I don't think she ever gave me any pain reliever. I guess I just slept through most of the adjustment from it. Just think though...it could be worse, my brother had his when he was in kindergarten!
I have 2 daughters who have had expanders- OUCH! It can take a week or more to "adjust" to the pressure in the jaw, but truthfully, there will be some pain off and on as things shift, and especially after an appointment.
The Ibuprofen is good, but one of my daughters is allergic to it, and we "accidently" discovered that the best painkiller for both girls is MIDOL. Yep! If you can somehow not tell him what it's really for, you may find it takes the pain away faster and better for him, too.
The thing to keep in mind is that expanders aren't worn for very long, and they do get used to the odd feeling after a turn (it registers as "pain", but it's mostly just uncomfortable). Mild achiness and pressure are normal, but if he's experiencing any sharp pain, you want to mention it to his Orthodontist to be on the safe side.
Hi S., I forgot to ask my daughter (10) her opinion on this last night so I could answer. She had to wear one for about 2 months when she was 9. It can be very uncomfortable, but the one thing I remember most was she didn't want to eat and I was worried about that - so it was suggested to me to give her Boost (the supplement). They make one called Boost Plus which has 360 calories and lots of vitamins which I still sometimes give my daughter (she has ADD and takes medication so is small for her age). That's just a thought to help you get nutrition in him during this time when his mouth is so sore (I'm assuming he's not eating much). I wish I had remembered to get her opinion on how long is takes to "get used to it". But I do know this...be careful of the types of things you cook, once he eats things he has to chew. Some things are nastier than others when you're having to help yank it from where it's stuck between the roof of their mouth and the device. Good luck! It will be over soon enough... of course, then you have the braces and the no apples/no popcorn situation! Oh, and I also agree with the mom who moved hers at bedtime...definitely better than turning the key in the daytime! Best of luck to you & your son! J.
My daughter had an expander... she seemed to adjust fairly quickly but was definitely glad to have it removed. I always turned it at night so she could sleep through most of the discomfort. Once I turned it in the morning and had to take her motrin to school... didn't do that anymore.
if you are talking about the expanders like i had which was the rubber band type things they do hurt! i ended up pulling mine out and had no trouble getting my braces on. have him chew some gum but i just used my fingers and pulled.
hi, he has almost gotten through the rough part. give it just a couple more days. then expect on the day you crank for just a little discomfort. my son had to crank his 25 days. and he is a complainer from the get go. he did fine. after it was taken out it took time to get use to it not being there. mom of 7, good luck and god bless, R.
