Is palate expander painful?
Palatal expanders do not usually cause pain. Some patients, however, experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing for the first few days of treatment. Following your dentist’s instructions for adjusting your palatal expander will help ensure there is minimal pain and to avoid delays in your treatment plan.
How uncomfortable is an expander?
There will be some discomfort at first, but there will not be a lot of pain. The expander may feel heavy in your mouth at first, since it is something new and different in there. When the palate expander is widened, you may feel some pressure in your mouth and on your tongue.
What is the difference between a spacer and an expander?
Are Spacers and Expanders the same thing? An expander is a type of orthodontic appliance that is also sometimes referred to as a spacer. This appliance is usually used for the upper arch and widens it. Expanders have multiple uses.
What hurts more spacers or braces?
When the spacers are first inserted, you may experience a little discomfort and pain, but they don’t hurt more than braces. This is because only slight pressure is exerted and on a few teeth. If your teeth are more tightly packed together, spacers will hurt a little more.
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 do you make spacers hurt less?
Avoid chewing gum or other sticky foods which can stick to the spacers and pull them out. Avoid tough or crispy foods. Cold drinks or ice cream may help to temporarily alleviate any discomfort. Pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil can provide relief for the pain if needed.
How do spacers deal with pain?
What can you not eat with expanders?
Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods Chewy or sticky candy like chewing gum, taffy, licorice, and caramels should be avoided. Hard and crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice are also not recommended with a palate expander.
When does spacers pain go away?
Generally, this discomfort of spacers will fade as your teeth get used to the feeling of the spacers. Your teeth should stop hurting after 2-3 days, but you might still feel the pressure of the orthodontic separators throughout the time they are between your teeth. This is normal and just means the spacers are working.
How do you numb the pain of spacers?
If you do experience some pain, your orthodontist may advise you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to dull the ache. You can also try rinsing with a warm salt water mixture (1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. of water) three to four times per day to relieve the discomfort.
When will my spacers stop hurting?
Are separators painful?
Wearing orthodontic spacers usually doesn’t hurt, but it can make that area a little sore. Usually, it feels like there’s something stuck between your teeth. You might feel tempted to floss, but don’t! As long as it feels like there’s something caught in your contact area, you’ll know that the spacer is doing its job.
Are separators supposed to hurt?
Spacers are usually painful, although pain relievers can alleviate the pain if needed. Depending on the placement of the patient’s teeth, spacers may not hurt when first applied, then start to hurt after some time, or they may immediately start to hurt.
What helps with expander pain?
What do expanders feel like?
If an expander was placed, salt water (saline) or air was added to it to start stretching your skin. Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area.
How do you swallow spit with an expander?
When you first have the expander placed, your mouth may produce more saliva. If this occurs, make a conscious effort to swallow normally by closing your lips and pushing your tongue up against the roof of your mouth.