[BRACES EXPLAINED] Palatal Expanders

[@danielle3586]

i had an upper expander, and it was the worst thing ever.

[@whyamigrumpybecauseiamhung9439]

itwasenchanted I know how you feel

[@luzosorio9882]

Really? I never felt pain, just pressure for like 5 min and then it was gone. I only got like 2-3 headaches in the 3 weeks time I had to turn it

[@kateriley6733]

really? life must be really good for you then

[@smeggers]

Salutations fellow fren ||-//

[@katelynnoi3624]

Clique is everywhere oml ||-//

[@I_Call_You_Moonchild]

Thank you for these videos. My 9 year old daughter is super anxious about spacers, expanders, and all the goodies she gets, and these videos are so helpful for her to be able to see what the process entails.

[@DrGregAsatrian]

That's so fantastic! Feel free to have her ask any questions here that she may have!

[@allegient539]

I get my expander a week before school starts. Will I be able to talk okay by then?

[@DrGregAsatrian]

I'm pretty confident that you'll do just fine! I recommend that the day you get your expander, practice speaking by reading a book out loud @ home or somewhere private just so your tongue gets used to talking with it ! =]

[@allegient539]

Thanks for the tip! That made me feel a lot better about it.

[@charsmith1804]

me too!

[@sophiagranich9311]

I have a expander. I was able to talk the day I got it! I sounded a bit strange but in a few days you teach yourself how to talk properly.

[@hawkinsindiana5765]

I talk a lot so I thought I had a worse speaking voice than most people because I heard my own voice so much

[@sisfist3591]

I got my expander a few weeks ago and i am done my turns. So here are some of your frequently asked questions answered: - It didn’t hurt at all for me while they were putting it in, and after - Turning it doesn’t hurt just some pressure (but it doesn’t hurt!) - It was tricky to eat with but got used to eat in a few days - I could not talk properly for the life of me! But don’t worry, I got used to it within a week - I personally did get a gap between my front teeth - I was able to swallow my spit fine right after I got my expander - Feels really weird the first couple of days, but after a week, you forget you ever have it on! - The molar band part that has a bracket on it, did give me a mouth sore on my left cheek, but just put some wax on it and you’ll be fine in a couple of days! - It’s harder for me to eat hard foods because my teeth have gotten a bit sensitive - Don’t let the comments scare you! I read the comments before I got my expander and was scared to death for no reason! - It’s👏🏼not👏🏼that👏🏼bad If you have any questions, feel free to ask me, I will be more than happy to answer them as fast as I can! (Btw I wrote this when I was 13-14, I’m now 18 so it might take me a while to answer lol)

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You're so awesome! Thanks so much for answering all those questions =]

[@sisfist3591]

Braces Explained no problem!😊

[@gto.eduardo958]

BlueButter IceCream you are a legend indeed in getting this done soon so thanks for making me feel good about it 😭and i currently have spacers which hurt so bad so hopefully my braces and expanders won’t hurt since I’m a bit used to it after 2 days with spacers on. I hope I’ll get used to this pain in time so my braces won’t hurt 😭

[@abdishakursheikh3637]

@BlueButter IceCream how long do you have to wear them.. My dentist said 2-3 months. And for me the worst thing is eating 😭😭

[@Alaa-po5ht]

Can you tell me how long can the R.P.E. take to expand teeth ?!!

[@jaileendefreitas2338]

my orthodontist took out my expander today, then cemented it back in. I cried on the chair

[@ashlynnwinney9229]

Jaileen DeFreitas i did too! it was super painful and i get it taken out for good soon and i’m nervous:/

[@juliaworthington2776]

I had an expander for a month and then after a month they realized it was broken the whole time and had blamed it on me for it not working.

[@jaileendefreitas2338]

Ashlynn Winney haha thats crazy

[@jaileendefreitas2338]

Julia Worthington dude when the lady cemented it back in it wasn’t in right and my gums got super inflamed so when I came back in a month to get it out for good it just popped out

[@konradv1373]

Your tounge is natural expander, you should read about orthotropic

[@SmileInfluencers]

Your voice expands my heart...❤️🔥

[@VtuVtu94up]

I love the bromance between both of you! Have you ever thought about doing a vid together?

[@Dreams99_]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jmward1984]

I had top and bottom expanders at 34 years old. Worked wonders!

[@mzm3nd0za84]

Too old lady

[@ikramikaa6087]

Without surgery ? And it worked out for you ?

[@rizrizwi8597]

Jennifer Ward I need some advices from your experience. I am having hard time convincing my dentist to get one on my lower.

[@betsaidacruz871]

I’m getting the bottoms ones soon, and advice ?

[@zayidm3218]

@@mzm3nd0za84 haha no she not especially if she is preparing for orthognathic surgery

[@marymeh3480]

I think speaking with expanders gets a little harder and awkward :D

[@ce2776]

Mary Meh I think it depends on how you speak in the first place and where you move your tongue when you talk . My expander doesn’t make it hard to talk at all , I never really got a lisp except for when I say things that start with “cu” or “ke” but awkward yes!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Honestly its just tough for the first day or two but after that you'll forget that it's even there!

[@nataliehi6601]

I’ve had a lisp for like 5 months thank god I’m supposed to get my expander off next appointment 😂

[@sam345]

Natalie Hi did it hurt to get it off?

[@nataliehi6601]

Sam I am i got it off today it hurt a little bit but it was mostly scary when it popped off because it was so loud but don’t worry it only takes a few seconds it’s definitely worth it

[@lisak7757]

Thanks for making these videos. My daughter just got the final wire and power chains on today. She has been wearing elastics too and has had an expander too. Nice to learn about how it all works 😀

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Of course! I'm glad that I was able to help explain a bit of your daughters treatment =] Feel free to ask any other questions you may have and I'l try my best to answer!

[@nattobias]

I’m getting my expander tomorrow and this was so helpful!!!!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

That's awesome! Congratulations =] Let us know how it goes!!

[@robfolks]

So how did it turn out?

[@kyleebrahim8061]

@@robfolks I think it broke her phone

[@jaylynunique1192]

I have an over and cross bite 😬

[@333.alyssa]

same

[@georgia6198]

Vidsby. Jayy SAME

[@chelseaaavlogzz8604]

i have a deep overbite and cross bite

[@nooraamina6055]

Under and cross bite😶

[@socialitesue]

I have an over jet, open and cross bite

[@melissaandrews1603]

My 11 year old has to get one of these. Thank you for simplifying it for me. I feel more at ease now, going forward with his treatment.

[@paigelott254]

I'm getting an upper expander in 2 days, im super nervous because I'm not very good with pain. This video has really helped me learn more about them though, thank you so much! :D

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Aww thank you so much for watching =] Glad that I was able to help !

[@camiinicole768]

If you see this and your about to get your expanders, I cant stress this enough. *EAT EVERYTHING, HOT CHIPS, CHICKEN, SUPER STICKY SNACKS, ANYTHING YOU ENJOY* It will be all gone before you knwo it 😭😪

[@DrGregAsatrian]

lolol

[@apparitionformat]

but, ive had my expander for about 5 months now, and i can literally eat everything lmfaooo! i can chew gum, my palate expander doesn’t lave any prob

[@camiinicole768]

Nixxious oh wow! Mine has gotten so much better after some time :)

[@Alaa-po5ht]

@@DrGregAsatrian Dr. Can you tell me how long can the R.P.E. take to expand teeth ?!!

[@aubluu8949]

Cameronn Nicolee i would, but its too late, its hard to eat with these separators-

[@3ve747]

my orthodontist told me i would use this for 2 months before i get my braces. but i got my braces first and was hella confused . 😐 do u know why? or does it depends.

[@miguelcortes04]

@NY UK oop

[@ZacharyBoi]

That’s happening to me now I’m getting my braces 2 months after

[@Apple-zt7be]

@@ZacharyBoi I just got my braces today, then im getting the expander put in afterwards 😟

[@litzym4662]

this video was helpful because I actually didn't know what an expander was for. Thanks

[@DrGregAsatrian]

So glad that I was able to help !

[@BabyGirl-de9jg]

MY MOM DOESNT KNOW HOW TO TURN MY EXPANDER. I HAVE THE SCREWED ONE BUT MY KEY IS NOT ONE OF THOSE SKINNY ONES IT LOOKS LIKE A SMALL WRENCH

[@BabyGirl-de9jg]

NY UK We did and she still doesnt know how :( and i cant come in until the 21st

[@tyroneyazzie3814]

My mom keeps doing it wrong and it’s hurts like hell

[@no-hl2qd]

lol my mom doesn't know how to do it so she always takes me to my aunt bc she did it for my cousin before

[@BabyGirl-de9jg]

@@no-hl2qd i ended up started doing it myself im in my braces

[@luisacruz3182]

@@BabyGirl-de9jg is there any gap between ur front teeth?

[@lentheschutten7949]

My little neighbour has the big one in combination with brackets, had to be turned once a day, I felt so sorry for her, but she said it didn't hurt too bad after a couple of days... I have huge respect for her!

[@carlwine574]

hey folks! I’m sure you’re newbies to expanders, and frantically googling “OH MY GOSH WHY IS THIS THE WORST THING EVER????” Well, i’m here to tel you IT GETS BETTER!! I’ve had my expander for only one week, but let me tell you, it feels completely normal now. I have to turn mine twice a day, for 10 days. (20 turns in all.) I just got my tooth gap yesterday, and i’m proud of it! The annoying feeling of not being able to bite down, gets so much better, because: The more you expand, the less that is, and you adapt! The lisp takes lots of practice and patience. I still have a pretty heavy lisp, and I get quite irritated sometimes, but it’s all about patience. Eating is probably the worst part, but like the video suggests, WATER PIK!! Those suckers help so much. Normal swishing with water and mouthwash helps as well! (It’s pretty gross but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.) What I do for getting food out, is push lots of air quickly through the expander with my mouth partially shut. It helps get the food out and is quite subtle. A life saver for me has been the Tongue Guard. It’s a nifty little contraption that protects your tongue from cuts, and makes eating easy! Please stay patient, you all can do this!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us!!

[@dettygabyelle]

how old r u?

[@yeojintheworld1057]

I got mine today. Here’s some updates ! Day 1: I didn’t expect this at all, but it literally doesn’t hurt at all. It didn’t hurt to get put on, it isn’t sore. I only got it 30 minutes ago, so it might change. I can’t swallow my salvia and have a little hard time talking, but it’s not bad. The glue tastes really bad though. The impressions from the day before hurt way more than actually putting the expander in. Pleasantly surprised :) Day 2: I got it tightened and it hurt a bit more than the first time, but I took some pain meds and I was fine in 20mins. It was hard to figure out how to turn it at first, but we figured it out. Still hard to swallow saliva but i’m doing a bit better, I do the slurping thing a lot and it’s hard to speak when i haven’t done it in a while. Not that bad

[@quisisreal]

How old are you? And did you get surgery before?

[@aanelejj]

How old are you? And did you get bottom or top?

[@quavorl3053]

@@reesechelseaparaguya6648 it’s worse than braces

[@IfomaGenevieve]

I’m an adult and use a removable expander to fix my narrow upper jaw. I was told that I needed to have surgery to correct my issue but my new doctor has been getting the job done with braces, wisdom teeth removal and the expander! I’m also getting spaces between some of teeth in my upper jaw, so that’s awesome to hear that things are moving along nicely! Thank you for the video! Since having all this work done on my teeth, this whole process fascinates me!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

That's so great! I'm glad to be able to help explain some of these things! Let me know if you have any other questions =]

[@DigitalJada]

how long did it take you to see spaces? I have an expander too and I'm worried it may not be working (I'm an adult also, 20 yrs old)

[@IfomaGenevieve]

Thank you so much! I will for sure!

[@IfomaGenevieve]

Hello! I started to see spaces probably around month 3! I got spaces more around my back molars and the teeth next to my two front teeth. I've had my expander for about 4 months now!

[@DigitalJada]

Okay, thanks so much for getting back to me! Were you turning once every day?

[@mc3550]

I’m 13, and when I get my expander how big will the gap get? And how long will it take to close

[@vava2334]

one to two months tbh

[@juanaliajanice8325]

@@vava2334 ONGG NOOO IM GLAD I WEAR A MASK

[@vamp3403]

@@juanaliajanice8325 Fr bruh, next year I hope i'll still be able to wear mask.

[@juanaliajanice8325]

@@vamp3403 omg I have expanders and there is a gap already

[@vamp3403]

@@juanaliajanice8325 Wait so how long have you had your upper expanders?

[@MakeUpByDREA]

Can you make a video about the Quad Helix expander? Everyone talks about the Palatal Expander but not the Quad Helix Expander.

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You got it! =] Hang tight & I'll get to it ASAP

[@MakeUpByDREA]

Dr. Greg Asatrian Thank you!

[@angelicafoster670]

Hey dr, i'm wondering if expanders work on adults - 26 yr ?

[@tiaburkhardt6850]

you should make a video about overbites :)

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You got it!

[@RR-vq6ty]

Where is it?

[@RR-vq6ty]

I've got to see it!

[@deshlynjoimonique4745]

i got my expander and braces yesterday! getting the expander put into my mouth had 0 pain. after the appointment it was hard for me to swallow, eat, and talk. i kept spitting many times because of how much my body refused to swallow my spit. for eating it was quite difficult, the braces and the expanders at the same time made my whole mouth very tender. SO I RECOMMEND YOU TO EAT REALLY SOFT FOODS!! cleaning the expander isn’t difficult much but make sure to get all that gunk in between your expander and the roof of you mouth out! turning the expander every morning and night is easy so far. when turning it you’ll feel a weird pressure in your nose and your mouth 😭. IF YOU TALK VERY WEIRDLY AND WITH A LOT OF SPIT IN THE FIRST COUPLE DAYS ITS COMPLETELY NORMAL. it feels very weird and not at all comfortable right now but i believe that we can get through it :)

[@Kanyesworkoutplan]

You got braces and expander at the Same time???did you develop a gap ?

[@miodragloncar1998]

Is it possible to "isolate" one side of the expander so that only one side of the jaw gets expanded otherwise if you have a crossbite only on one side and get expander at the end you get asymmetrical upper jaw because the right side was unnecessairly expanded?

[@wakawu]

I'd also like to know about this. What happens if only one side needs to be pushed outward?

[@ShinGuiking]

Up

[@ladynutter]

Thanks! My daughter just got her top braces and Herbst on yesterday, and I have to start turning tonight. They showed me how, but I needed to review. Lots of great content here...thank you!

[@shricharansriram5722]

I just got my expander off, here was my experience: BTW just saying, some expanders are different, some are bigger and some take very little space. But mine took a lot of my tongue's space. On October 13, 2021 I got on my expander. Day 1: It was really tough. No pain, slight discomfort while eating, and could barely swallow my spit for like the first hour. I was just spitting in the sink for a while. Turning feeling: It was ok, it felt really weird honestly, but around the end of expansion it started to get harder and started hurting slightly. Week 1 totally: The first three days I had a really hard time speaking. It got better, but it was still tough to say the letter T, and couldn't really say "Teacher" Week 2: I finished the expansion and wore another appliance, and it was all fine and didn't hurt, but it was annoying. Also one observation, sometimes one tooth attached inside the expander starts to hurt and would have some trouble eating, but it didn't happen often. 8 months later, today, July 5th, 2022, I got it off. Hope this helps guys

[@imthecryptic]

Thanks I got it today and same thing, cannot eat with it or swallow XD Hopefully I can soon, the ones I have take literally all of my mouth space…

[@shricharansriram5722]

@@imthecryptic dont worry, it gets better. It's annoying to clean but otherwise it's not that bad. Sometimes it hurts with expander turning and feels uncomfortable, you got this!

[@anssamomar2649]

@@shricharansriram5722 is your face change like your lips become wider or no thing? And why it take 8 months?i know it take 3 or 4 months؟؟

[@treccty]

Do you have an overbite by chance?

[@shricharansriram5722]

@@anssamomar2649 I didn't notice my lip getting wider or anything, maybe a bit smaller. Also my case was more severe and there was some regression, so I had to turn again around the time when I was going to get it removed, so it took 8 months

[@slinkysheep439]

i’m freakin out!! i’m getting huge gap from two weeks of turning. when does it close up?

[@ligmasigma123]

When you get the braces

[@vyvy9621]

oh thank god , im in my late teens , I’m 16, and I have a rapid expander and I’ve been documenting photos every 5 days and I keep comparing day 1 to day 5 and 10 and don’t see any difference so I was worried if I was too old for an expander because they said I’m near the end of my development. Day 19 is when the gap appeared and it hurt like crazy on day 18. It still hurts but I’m really happy that it means that my jaw is expanding correctly and that I’m not too old for it. Feeling very reassured and happy now. Love seeing progress :D hope the gap gets bigger and bigger :)

[@stephanieswithers3160]

I am also about to be 16 and my mom told me I getting braces after my sweet 16. I haven’t been to an othro yet but I just wonder because my front two teeth overlap each other. Did you get an expander for that reason or do you think braces will just straighten that

[@quisisreal]

@@stephanieswithers3160 if you’re 19 are you too old?

[@sandycheeks5052]

I have one, and it’s getting caught on my cheek and it really hurts 😣

[@apparitionformat]

Sandy Cheeks do you have wax?? i believe you can apply it to the place, it will help.

[@bangjoeofficial]

I had an expander when I was a teenager and seeing you type this brought back so many bad memories. Even with the wax it was so frustrating. I can feel it again.

[@psychott6]

It doesn’t pinch my cheeks, and I’m starting to forcefully put it higher up in my mouth because I’m starting to like the pain.

[@kawaiipotatoe3382]

Does extracting teeth have any risks/disadvantages?

[@justhadtosay680]

I just finished using a removable plate expander, I'm 36 y.o and it took 2 months instead of 4, I wore it 24/7.

[@adennielsen]

Lol took me 5 weeks XD

[@thanujathanu5049]

How much cost

[@rizrizwi8597]

Did you get one for your lower arch expansion?

[@justhadtosay680]

@@rizrizwi8597 no just the top

[@sephe8192]

For me I only have to wear it for 3 weeks but I have to tighten it 1-2 times per day it hurts but I just want to get it over with YwY

[@camduckazf7978]

I've had my expander since January and I'm finally getting it off on Monday, as well as getting braces during the same appointment

[@frankiero1711]

How did it go? I've had mine for 6 months and I get it off tomorrow,

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Congrats to both of you =]

[@camduckazf7978]

I know I'm not that smart, but - I’m so happy I got it off. I got my braces on and I’ve been eating soups, noodles, and not having my expander is great bc I have so much more room

[@bonkers7915]

i got mines yesterday. i just had my spacers when DO I GET A BREAK

[@ellaparis1072]

How long did u wore expanders before braces

[@alnuralmobeen]

Can you use Expanders for adults too

[@zerozer0s123]

I got my expander off a while ago, but none the less, here's my experience day 1: on the first day, it felt unbearable. Drinking water felt impossible, swallowing my saliva made feel like I was gonna choke and die, and I didn't even attempt to eat food of for the first 24 or so hours. But I am a outlier. I bet for the rest of you, the first day will be the worst, but it wont be as bad as it was for me most likely. day 2: by the second day suddenly my "nerd-voice" had become much less, and I was sounding much more normal. Also I could swallow my spit easier, although it wasn't completely easy. But the real change happened after my first tightening. The moment it tightened, I felt a little pressure (no pain), but it was totally worth it. When I had the first tightening, I could talk way easier, I could swallow water easier, although I still used a straw for the first few days because it still kind of felt like I was gonna choke. and eating was way easier as well. The first tightening is also when your mouth begins the process of getting used to this thing, which you immediately feel the positive effects of. day 7: after a week, tightening once everyday before bed, the pressure post-tightening was almost gone. Also, I only had a slight speech impediment, and sounded relatively normal to most people unless I was talking to my dad or my girlfriend or someone who I regularly have long conversations with. The water and eating situation were still basically the same, they didn't improve in any meaningful way until my mouth was completely used to the expander. day 14: after two weeks, my mouth was super used to it. I could swallow my saliva perfectly normally, I felt very little to no pain when chewing, and I had almost no speech issues. One issue that never changed for the whole time I had this thing though was food getting stuck between the roof of my mouth and the expander. Luckily this absolutely did get better after I had finished all my tightening's, I think because the top of the expander was closer to the roof of my mouth, but I could be wrong. But it never fully disappeared. So if you just got yours, or are a few days in, I highly recommend you MASTER the art of pushing food down your throat with your tongue out from under the top of the expander. Day 21: This is when the true settling happened for me. I couldn't feel the expander anymore, food went down like normal and so did liquids, and I could swallow my saliva perfectly. Also my speech was pretty much perfect except for my "eeh" sounds (Tree, bee, key etc.) afterwards: after that, it was perfect. The first day felt unbearable, but don't let that get you down! also I'd like to apologize for any grammar issues, English isn't my first language. anyways, here are some extra comments!: -I didn't get a gap between my front teeth, might have something to do with the fact that the reason I'm even getting braces is because I have super squished together teeth, and my right front tooth is actually overlapping over the front of my left one a little. So if you're like me and have overlapping/tightly packed front teeth, you're lucky here! No gap for you! -Turning it is kind of horrible the first day, it feels like a lot of pressure, but by the second you already barley feel any! -Getting the thing in and out doesn't hurt at all, and I'm aware I'm the minority when I say this, but as soon as it came out, I couldn't even tell I every had it. I could talk, breath, swallow, etc. like before I even had the expander. And eating hard food was impossible with the expander, but as soon as it came out I could eat hard food perfectly. -and finally, this is just in my experience, but braces aren't nearly as bad. Braces are way easier to do everything with, and if anything an expander will just make you ready for braces because of how much easier everyday things are with braces in general. Hope this was helpful!

[@sya1383]

May i know how old are you ? Im 21 and i hv a slight overlapping on my upper teeth. My dentist suggest expanding it instead of doing an extraction. So im kinda scared that i wont hv the best results (since expanders are often used on kids/teens)

[@erikaknapp128]

How long did you have to have your expander in?

[@zerozer0s123]

@@erikaknapp128 not sure off the top of my head, id say about 6 months, but I only tightened it for the first little bit, it was just sitting there for most of the time

[@hanahassan2427]

Thanks this was really helpful

[@abdur9918]

Broo did you get a fully metal expander or the one covered with plastic?

[@sachahaffmans3743]

Thank you for you great explanation. I just joint the bonded rpe club 6 days ago. Getting used to it mainly by speaking and eating. Tomorrow I will do my first turn. Keep you updated.

[@galiloves]

I got mine removed 3 days ago honestly like the first 2 weeks with it on it was so bad I couldn’t speak properly and it was hard to eat but then after a while you get used to them and you figure out ways to eat with them. After having them for 10 months tho I’m happy they’re finally off😭

[@DrGregAsatrian]

haha congrats on having your expander removed!

[@jf7943]

Does it hurt as bad as everyone says it is when they take the expander off?

[@galiloves]

J F it didn’t hurt for me at all so no but maybe it depends

[@muhima8710]

I am getting my expanders in 2 days, and I have been looking for so many channels for more information about them, and this is the best channel! I wish you were my dentist😁😁

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Ah that's so nice of you. Thank you so much!! I hope to keep bringing you great content!

[@muhima8710]

Braces Explained I am sure you will😁😁

[@muhima8710]

I got my expanders yesterday and I thought they would hurt more, but they didn’t! Thanks for the heart😊😊

[@kengineer12]

I had and still need to correct my crossbite, but I use rubber bands instead of an expander. Could you tell me if there is a difference and why my orthodontist may have chosen this over the expander.

[@nenitastar99]

Fluffy Bird Maybe you just have a teeth problem so you don't need one of these, like he said, the expansor Is for bone problem

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You nailed it Thelma! Sometimes if it is just a dental crossbite, you can use wires & elastics to help correct it!

[@nenitastar99]

Dr. Greg Asatrian Did I? Yay! I've been dealing with orthodontics ever since I can remember, due to my prognathism, so by now I kind of know a lot. I'm still working on it, but hopefully my treatment will be done soon with no need of a surgery;)

[@kengineer12]

Thelma DeLaMont Thank you! And also thank you Dr. Greg Asatrian!

[@Morgo_wahdee]

I just got my expanders so I am just trying to figure out why I need them and how I work this was really helpful Thank You!

[@madelynncoronado8421]

hi, I love your videos! I currently have braces and I’m in the end of my treatment, I’m planned on getting them off my next appointment but this last visit I had was the most painful I’ve ever experienced. My orthodontist did something called “wire bends” ?? it took 2 technicians to help get my wire back into the brackets and wire tie everything. I was screaming it was so painful, but what do wire bends do exactly ?

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Thanks sooo much for the kind words! && Ahh so sorry you had such a painful experience ! So wire bending adds a few modifications in the wire to move very specific teeth in a certain direction. This is best portrayed in a video so hang tight and I'll make a video on this! May be a little late for you but hopefully you'll still find it interesting!

[@ecoc7947]

Does it hurt for chilsren? Should I give my son Tylenol every time i turn the key?

[@mafuyuspsychiatrist2906]

Erin C it depends on everyone’s pain tolerance I am currently 11 years old and for me the pain isn’t that bad. When I get it adjusted I could still eat food normally, but as I said I think it depends on your Son’s pain tolerance. Hope this helps I just got them removed today good luck on your son’s journey 😄

[@miranda_films]

i'm getting my expander in a week and i am so paranoid about it, does it hurt getting it put on?

[@aly3835]

I'm 19 y/o and I'm using them next week, am I late? I hope you answer me. Thanks

[@quisisreal]

I hope I’m not too late too

[@ptah2565]

SO YOU SAYING IM GONNA STARVE FOR MONTHS?

[@brendonsego3137]

Yea. I have mine in right now and it’s so bad. I’ve been confined to milkshakes for the past week. I can’t eat anything that’s solid. I want it out but the dentist won’t let me. I don’t really care about my overbite because it’s not that bad.

[@lilyachuu8101]

I had this not long ago and I’m just saying don’t you dare break the rules it will actually just make it worse and be thankful you get to stuff more things in ur mouth after a while

[@ahlakee]

I see weight loss in my near future lol

[@brendonsego3137]

Courtney Mason I lost about 4-5 pounds in a week. It’ll make your stomach feel weird too.

[@lilyachuu8101]

Omg noodles if you get them stuck good luck getting them out I choked two times

[@tusharajoshi1]

Awesome video Dr. Greg. How are you feeling now? I hope you are doing fine. I too have a cross bite, but my ortho is correcting it using braces only. In just three months, results can be seen in the bite. Looking forward to the next video. Regards.

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Ah thanks so much! Yup, feeling a lot better! That's great =] That's great that you didn't need an expander!

[@socalslime4828]

hi, could you think of a reason why my orthodontist won't let me have braces at the same time as my palatal expander? Also, what's the difference between an acrylic expander and a drilled one? Thank you!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

I usually do not use braces until I have achieved the expansion I need. Acrylic expanders are used to have more support against your palate to get more skeletal movement (and not just teeth). Not sure what a drilled one is but I'm assuming that you're referring to an all-metal one!

[@farhadahmadyar4192]

Hey doctor I have a question. I compete as an amatur boxer and I'm 19 years old. Will I ever be able to compete again after getting this treatment? Thanks in advance

[@brycesusong6307]

I have one im at my last few weeks of having one i cant wait to get it out also its not removable but i took a picture of it and it is only a few turns away

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Almost there!!

[@chaii_latte]

I'm so glad I had all this done at 12. I hated it so much back then but it saved a lot of money down the road as an adult..

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Exactly!

[@0fficialbeba171]

This comments scaring me😭 I’m getting my expanders in a few weeks and I don’t want pain tf😭 imma have them for 6 months

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You're going to do awesome!

[@Kate-we3ko]

I'm getting mine in 2 days and I'm having it on for 6 months too. Im scared

[@addi9219]

same omg

[@prashantsinghtomar5650]

Don't worry...u r going to suffer for a week...means it is not going to give uh pain...but u r going to have difficulty in eating...nd feel uneven in sleeping...nd going to feel like a vomit for 1 or 2 days...😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣than everything will be normal nd literally u can start feeling changes after a month nd after 6 months u will have more change....I have got expenders in Oct. Nd now March is going on nd after seeing my difference I m happy with difficulties I was having...nd now I m having difficulty in eating or feeling uneven without Expanders 😂😂😂

[@natrinaa5075]

@@prashantsinghtomar5650 ayo did you have marks on ur tongue too

[@intelcore5409]

Are you able to talk like you used to before having the expander? Cause it’s harder for me to get my used to talking like I used to before the expander.

[@Kate-we3ko]

16 turning 17 and I'm getting one of these expanders. I'm scared that its going to hurt really bad because I'm older so it won't be as easy to fix my posterior crossbite. :(

[@tomo31725]

When you get an expander, the first few months are the ones where you expand your jaw. For the rest of the remaining months, you leave that expander in place for your jaw. My question is, do you install braces after the expander finishes expanding your jaw, or do you install the expander after the remaining months?

[@kennoys]

can an expander still work with braces? i feel like it won't work that well because of the wire 😬

[@DrGregAsatrian]

I usually use the expander before braces but if I need to do it during braces, I cut the wire between the front two teeth so that the wire doesn't slow it down!

[@kennoys]

Dr. Greg Asatrian oh, but my orthodontists didn't do that, I have braces with an expander and I'm nervous it won't work and they'll have to extract teeth, so it will work but just slower?

[@Barbie3226]

Will expanders affect my facial structure? Like will my mouth area look more spread out and weird?

[@maria6391]

I have a really dumb question: I’m getting my expander this week and I know that an expander will alter the structure of the face but I have pretty good cheekbones and I’m afraid that the expander will get rid of that. Is that possible?

[@drtahir66]

HI not dumb question. Great question. The expander will NOT get rid of your cheekbones, only enhance it. Dr.Tahir, Orthodontist

[@maria6391]

Ejaz Tahir thank you !

[@mkforlife9493]

is there anyway to stop food from getting in your expander ? ( this may be kind a nasty ) i can’t ever eat with out food getting stuck, and when i t falls out i often “throw up” then i have to fish out the throw up, which becomes a cycle when i try to eat. do you have any tips?

[@kipciazazzara1261]

Woohoo I got my palette expander off about a week ago! It was glorious getting it off!! Im seeing improvement with my braces :)

[@DrGregAsatrian]

That's so awesome! Make sure you keep us posted on your progress!!

[@sarahmuhammed2374]

Thanks for the information doctor , but I'm a bit worried about having the expender , I'm also worried about the result as in my case the doctor told me after the expender he may have to take off on of teeth. So shall I do it or not ?

[@real4493]

Hey! I’m having really bad problems with being able to eat with my expander and i have braces at the same time but I don’t think that is affecting me. Do you have any solutions for eating with these?

[@real4493]

Quintus I’ve had my expander for 22 days now and i’ve gotten use to eating other things, if i eat something a little hard i just use my back teeth and to swallow i pull my tongue back and swallow so it doesn’t get trapped in my expander

[@real4493]

Quintus no problem man

[@swaneeyy]

Icey Hiii, I have a question. do you wear elastics for braces if you are wearing an expander? or when they removed your expander, then you can wear elastics for the braces?

[@real4493]

Sandy L i am currently not wearing elastics but when my expander is removed (August 26th) i might have them after, so i dont think you wear them with your expander but after it is removed

[@swaneeyy]

Icey Thank you so much. I’m currently not wearing elastics too. I was having a panic attack🙈because i first thought im supposed to wear elastics with my expander. thx for the info

[@erikaknapp128]

I just got my expander and braces yesterday. It doesn't hurt (just some pressure when turning it) and it is SUPER hard to eat, talk, and swallow. I don't know how long I will have it, but all I know is that I want it out asap because it feels so uncomfortable! It isn't super bad, but it is super inconvenient.

[@erikaknapp128]

UPDATE: I got my expander out yesterday, and it was amazing! My mouth feels so much bigger now! Just stay the course and dot give up! You will see results soon and it will get easier to talk, eat, and swallow soon!

[@abdur9918]

@@erikaknapp128 i recently got them, can you tell me which ones you got, the all metal ones or the acrylic ones?

[@Kanyesworkoutplan]

Did you get braces and an expander at the same time???if so did you develop a gap

[@nataliehi6601]

I need help to stop pushing my teeth out with my tongue they were a triangle and they got better from my expander but now they’re turning back into a triangle idk how stop

[@cuteL0Lcubby]

Look up orthotropics

[@liawatson5789]

do tongue excercises to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

[@ashikai5798]

Wait do they screw it inside of u or is it just a metal piece?

[@yoon3773]

Metal piece that goes around your teeth

[@mallikarjunpatil7816]

I had good bite before I started my treatment,but now my molar teeth are inclined inside and upper jaw's molar and lower jaw's molar are not aligned properly do I have to use expanders or there is any other way?

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Its impossible for me to tell online but generally throughout treatment your teeth / bite feel weird. Ideally they should feel good at the end of treatment though!

[@mallikarjunpatil7816]

Dr. Greg Asatrian Thank you My dentist also told me that everything will be fine at the end if treatment .

[@ShinGuiking]

Can i get expanders and braces if i have crowns on my 2 front teeth?

[@zayidm3218]

I got my expander cemented in yesterday.

[@Smiley01987]

Is it possible to have an expander as an adult without surgery?

[@hoesmad719]

Can you get expanders while having braces??

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Usually you get the expander first !

[@Xokzu]

I’m getting an expander in a couple of months. I’ve been wanting to for a few years now.

[@btsfan0581]

Im having 9 teeth out but my drntist is keeping my top fangs is there a reson for this??

[@dredrecray2458]

Canine tooth(or what you called fangs) are really important. Good thing you still have them

[@btsfan0581]

@@dredrecray2458 but they are my baby ones

[@dredrecray2458]

Well I had 1 baby canine tooth and the permanent one is above it. So she suggested that I remove it.

[@adlenbourtala9913]

thank you for this video is it possible to put this Palatal in a jaw of 32 teeth ?

[@lego.enthusiast1]

I got my expander a few months ago. It hurt alot when they pushed it up and in. It shouldnt make you cry the pain but it may make you moan alot. I have anxiety from dentist and doctors so you should be ok :).

[@iprobablyhaveapoint]

I want it, it's going to make you look good

[@honeyplum7268]

How old were u when u got it ? if u don't mind telling me I'm 18 and will be getting my expander tom so a lil anxious !

[@lego.enthusiast1]

@@honeyplum7268 Not going to reveal my age but i was a teen when i got it and still a teenager

[@konosekaijiyu4275]

@@honeyplum7268 did it work for you?

[@honeyplum7268]

@@konosekaijiyu4275 oh yes it did work for me ! It was so difficult in the beginning to swallow and stuff and it hurt ALOT while turning the expander and then gradually like after a month I can't even feel the expander there..like I got used to it !

[@alantomson9695]

Dear doctor what is the price of this expander

[@melodykohanoff9564]

nice explanation!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it =]

[@mariaiparraguirre9645]

I am getting my expander tomorrow

[@maggiedestinyrdzzz8393]

Wait I’m getting my expander August 9 but he said I still have to get two teeth removed on my upper teeth and they will be my smallest molar,what should I do??is he just making me waste my money on something I don’t need?!!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Its impossible for me to know because this is a very case-specific =/ Sometimes those need to be removed before the expander can fit but like I said its impossible for me to tell from online!

[@AprilDevelossings]

Hi Doc, I would like to know if there is another type of expander that won’t affect my speaking as the Nance expander that I have causing me to have a lisp and I find really difficult to sing as I am a professional singer, I’d like to have a better option of expander if there’s any? I have my ortho removed the Nance because it’s affecting my Job as a singer thanks for your help!

[@amo_res9266]

I had one in the roof of my mouth, and it’s so hard to take the food that is stuck behind it. And i also had bottom brace and Bite bump which separates my teeth 2 cm apart

[@the_boredsquad7228]

YESS

[@shanaia-mohamed3742]

Ty for the advice on turning the expander at night it helped big time!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Right? of course! So happy to help!

[@naomieaton2333]

When are you to old for your jawbones to move am 16 and I have a gap in between my teeth is it to late?

[@luciatrstanova628]

Naomi Eaton i got expander when i was 20 :)

[@ce2776]

I think it really depends on the person and how fast that person has developed in life , I’m 16 and also got my expander at 16 . I’ve had it in for about 5 or 6 months now . The only thing is that idk if I’ve had a skeletal expansion or if my molar just shifted outwards because my orthodontist put braces on first then the expander so i never really got a gap. He says it expanded tho. But I don’t think 16 is too old though they will tell you that you should have gotten it sooner , at like 12

[@jenGeeJushawshee]

People get expanders in 20’s to 50’s with no problems. I did.

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Hello all! Great conversations going on! Its definitely more reliable to expand at a younger age and you get more "skeletal expansion". As you get older, expanders will still turn but you get more of a dental effect as your teeth will move but not your underlying bones

[@jenGeeJushawshee]

Dr. Greg Asatrian Problem was, 40+ years ago expanders were not common, I also had a canine exposure at that time. I’m 54 now and in braces a second time due to a MVA.

[@flamingomingo9810]

Does it change the way your face looks if you’re 20 and your bones have already formed? I have a cross it and I want my jawline to be wider and more defined

[@calyssasmith4845]

i’m getting too braces with an expander and after a year they take the expander out and put bottom braces on 😭 i’m nervous

[@juanaliajanice8325]

Sameee I have to wear mind 6 months and have braces in the middle of the process it takes about a year or two for myyy teeth :((

[@alotan2acs]

How do you know this actually expands the maxilla as opposed to just pushing the teeth out into the alveolar bone and thinning the available bone?

[@imnotrappaort]

Can you do a video on "carriere appliance/ essix retainer"

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Def plan to!

[@kpop4life882]

Does the actual putting on the expander for the first time in your dentist appointment hurt?

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Not really - Its just something new and kinda tough to talk with at first but you should get used to it really quickly!

[@metropolsecurity8428]

i have expanders and i can't even feel them in my mouth.so if one is getting expanders don't worry cuz it doesn't hurt that much as braces do

[@zahidaperveen3111]

Is it possible to get expanders for the bottom jaw? If it is, how is it supposed to be put on?

[@DrGregAsatrian]

You can but they don't expand the JAW .. they expand the teeth ONLY ... this is only indicated in certain cases and your orthodontist will let you know if it is appropriate

[@riddlesandknowledge1]

Hey greg I really need your advice on this my english isn’t so good so hope u understand 😅 i had braces for more than 2 years 3 years ago for my overbite then my dr removed them and gave me retainers said they will finish the job my overbite wasn’t healed and also my lower jaw was pushed backwards even more which really ruined my side profile and made me insecure 😭 now I he’s putting braces again saying he’ll fix the overbite with elastics but i am afraid this could pull my lower jaw back even more or will it help with that issue ? Hope u answer 🙏🏼

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Hi Bobo, I am unable to answer your question specifically as this is very dependent on your case! I suggest you express these concerns to your orthodontist and make sure =]

[@riddlesandknowledge1]

Dr. Greg Asatrian i did he said elastics will do but i kinda don’t trust him anymore but can’t afford to go to a new orthodontist

[@darynatarasenko1574]

Hey! In case your overbite is a consequence of a bones problem (underdevelopment of the lower jaw) you might want to consult with a surgeon. Sometimes its not purely cosmetics. Fingers crossed for you and good luck! 🙏🏼 ❤️

[@harmyanaravarielle9171]

I love this video so much. Well i have one question, if you don't mind please share the correction for unilateral crossbite posterior? Thankyou ❤

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Thank you so much! I will soon!

[@blue_dragongames1011]

Omg taking that thing off hurts so much 😵😵😵😵

[@cryyuni]

Blue_Dragon Games X.X yep I’m glad I don’t need it anymore

[@danielsawaked685]

@@cryyuni wait how does it feel getting it off

[@Mastercardkel]

Hi I just got my expander 2 days ago is it normal for me to not be able to talk and eat well?

[@nothanks1884]

Speedy Bands yep

[@dakotapewpew3591]

I can’t talk normally anymore after having my exspander and I had it removed a few months ago

[@lifewitosh4420]

Can you do a video on the habitat appliance for thumb suckers ?

[@liv4theoutdoors398]

I’m getting my expander tomorrow... I’m scared and I already have a big gap 😊

[@Kate-we3ko]

Me too!!

[@Jojo-so8ju]

I’ve had my expander in since October and I’m gonna start turning on December 9th. Why is that ? Why the delay?

[@MLopezVoice]

Your teeth are beautiful. Also, thanks sooo much for the free information!

[@DrGregAsatrian]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@vic7686]

expanders are hell ! But they help the process of braces so much

[@DrGregAsatrian]

But it's worth it!!

[@lillysiwa6419]

My sister had an expander when she used to have braces and I’m getting my braces on next month and I might be getting an expander