How do i survive with a palate expander?

Answer 1

Well, it is very difficult, but here are some helpfull tips, (You get used to it after a while)

Cut up your food into smaller pieces then you normally would, so you dont have to chew as much. When you put the food inside your mouth, chew with only one side, and one side only, because if you keep going bakc and forth with the chewing on differant sides, it's easier for the food get stuck in your expander.

When the food is all chewed up, kinda push it back to the back of your mouth then swallow right away, yes it is going to be hard, but again, you will get used to it.

Wash it down with your drink :) Hope I helped somewhat.

Answer 2

It is quite easy... i have had mine on for 2 months and is getting it off tomorrow for the second time. It is painless when they put the expander on and they usually cement it in or glue it in. For the first couple of days you will find it hard to swallow and eat. It is much easier to eat with your front teeth instead of your molars. To swallow put your tongue on the back of your expander and swallow. When they take the expander off, it doesn't hurt real bad. They simply apply pressure to the expander and pry it off. You should eat soft foods for the first couple days and eventually you will get used to eating. Beware that a lot of food WILL get caught in your expander. Brush your teeth normally but add a few minutes to brush off food from your expander. Tooth picks and a water pic are helpful if you have them. An expander is usually on for 1 month. they then take it off and take impressions. They might apply the expander again to make sure nothing shifts. Turn your expander twice a day ( probably before you go to bed and in the morning). Hope this helps! Good luck!

<<EDIT>>

said you have to turn the key twice a day! NO turn it once, I've only had my expanders on for three days and i have to keep them on for two weeks and my dentest said you only turn it once a day!

>>>>>EDIT>>>

YES!!!!! only once!!!!

<<<<<<<<<EDIT2>>>>>>>>>>>>

These two people are telling you to either turn it once or twice (WRONG) listen to your othodontist they'll tell you how many times to turn it. And these guys don't know how long you need the expander it can range from 3 weeks to 3 months.First of all there all wrong you listen to your dentist and it can be for 6 months to.It also depends on how bad your teeth are

<<<<<EDIT>>>>>

Yea i agree your orthodontist days because mine said turn it 2 times in the morning and 2 times at night. I got mines done a week ago and I already have a small gap in my mouth and pain. Im going to see the orthodontist tommorow so they can check on it. Just eat stuff that can comfort your mouth. Also if something gets stuck in it just put water in your mouth and swish it around. Also for lunch and dinner take a pain reliever so you can eat with the freedom. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 3

I had an expander when i was younger, and I ate a lot... The only thing that changed for me is stringy food like spinach getting stuck, but you can simply pull it out. The other thing that bothered me is when i had to put the key in to open it up more. It was a little painful to chew right after loosening but it was bareable.

Answer 4

To survive with a palate expander, stick to a soft diet to minimize discomfort, take over-the-counter pain medication as needed, practice good oral hygiene to prevent irritation, and follow your orthodontist's instructions on adjusting the expander. Remember that any discomfort is temporary and as your mouth adjusts, it will become more bearable.

Answer 5

Take small bites