Naturalmama

Our 6-almost 7yo has a tiny mouth. Our dentist just recommended upper and lower expanders to enlarge the bones so the teeth will fit. (It's way over crowded) I've been trying to read about them online and am not sure what to think.

loves_2_quilt

I know of some kids that had them. The DDS put an appliance in the mouth, non removable I think, and you have a "key" that you use to turn them every few days. The kids that I have know with them had great results.

S D G

I had the expanders 20 yrs. ago. They can be painful, had to eat etc., but they do work. I had great results.

Naturalmama

Did you have the tops or top & bottom? He needs both and I'm not sure what to think about the bottom (from what I've read, which is hard to know what to believe!)

suern3

My grandson had the upper expander when he was 8 years old, 2 years ago. He had great results and almost no complaints. My daughter, his mom, was a little squeemish about turning the "key", but once she did it, it went just fine. He didn't have to have it all that long. Their bones are growing so fast at that age that the results are quick. (By quick, I mean several months). So much better than having a lot of teeth extracted as his mom did and then into braces for several years. He may need braces later on but should not be extensive. Best wishes.

ljfox

My oldest son had the one on the top and it was not too bad.

donnajean

It seems to be very common now. When I was a kid they just pulled 4 corner teeth out to make room in my too small mouth. Needless to say, I had very crocked teeth growing up. I had the Invisiline braces in my 60's. I think I would have avoided a lot of sinus problems if they had done expander thing when I was kid.

nativetexan

my goodness, never heard of this. my son got my small jaw line. had some teeth removed when he got braces. i did the same later and regretted it a lot. no room for my tongue. i had to learn to talk again. and eat, etc. not fun.
hope it works!!

irishrose

One of my daughters had a successful upper one. I wasn't aware DDSs did the lower, too.

lindyline

Hmm never heard of lower expanders. Am at work will ask the dentists , and get back to you.