Is it normal for a palate expander to cause pain after a few weeks? i got used to having the thing in after a few days. there was a little soreness, but nothing a tylenol didn't fix. but now, about 2-1/2 weeks later, it really hurts, and tylenol isn't wor

Answer: : Answer: a palatal expansion appliance is normally relatively comfortable. When it is first placed there may be some tooth sensitivity as the teeth are just getting used to the appliance being placed. However the activation process of the fixed expansion in a growing individual (under the age of 17 years of age) should not produce pain. The patient will feel a slight temporary pressure after each daily activation. But that sensation should go away in 1 — 2 hours. The activation time for a fixed expansion appliance is typically 3 to 7 weeks duration. After the activating time the palatal expansion appliance is left in place for approximately 4 months to allow new bone structure to “fill” into the newly created space in the palatal bone area. During this stabilization stage you should have no discomfort. There are a couple of possibilities for pain or prolonged/continued discomfort during the fixed palatal expansion appliance wear. One possibility is that you have lodged a foreign object, such as food debris, between the appliance and the roof of your mouth. If the debris is not removed the soft tissue of your palate may become inflamed or infected. If this is occurring you must return to your orthodontic specialist to have the problem attended to. A second possibility is if the discomfort is occurring around the area of the bands placed on your teeth which keep the expansion appliance in place, it is possible the gum tissue around these teeth is becoming inflamed or irritated. You must be diligent in your home care and take extra effort to be sure you are cleaning thoroughly around all of the appliance, especially where the bands fit next to the gum tissue. In both these cases, or with any pain related to the appliance after you have had it in for more than 2 — 3 days, you should consult your orthodontic specialist to have the appliance and your mouth tissues evaluated.

Not common: Palate expansion is usually quite painless. After 2 or more weeks, the expansion is complete or nearly so depending upon your instructions. What is possible is that the upper molars are now in a more lateral position and may be biting (occluding) much harder with its' lower counterpart and could be the reason for the discomfort. Call your orthodontist and have him/her check it out. Good luck!

Return to ortho : Although this type of discomfort might be normal, it is better to be safe and return for an evaluation with your orthodontist right away.

Should not have pain: A palatal expander may give some tenderness just when the turns are being done. In the first few days after it has been placed the molars may be tender, but at 2 1/2 weeks a hightened discomfort is not routine. If increased pain over time the expander should be checked by the orthodontist to make sure it is not loose, there is not a heavy contact of the teeth or something is not caught in it.

No: Shouldn't even notice expander at this point. May be because of the new relationship of the molars to each other. May be an oral hygiene issue (are you using a water pik?) if you are an adult and expansion done without benefit of palatal releasing surgery, untoward strains could be present. Please call your orthodontic specialist to discuss the problem.