Cleaning food from your expander can vary depending on what type of food it is, so it’s important to first assess what you’re dealing with. Additionally, factors such as the amount of time the food has been sitting in the expander can come into play.
For a general cleaning, start by turning off the power to the expander and then use a dry paper towel or rag to wipe away any remaining food or debris. If the food is particularly sticky or wet, you may need to use an old toothbrush or fine brush to scrub away the remnants.
The next step is to use a damp paper towel or rag and mild detergent to clean the interior and exterior of the expander. Rinse the unit with warm water, paying special attention to removing any soapy residue.
Finally, dry thoroughly with a dry towel or rag.
Additionally, if you’ve encountered a particularly troublesome build up of food in the expander, you may want to consider using vinegar or baking soda as a deep cleaning agent. Soak a clean cloth or paper towel into the vinegar, baking soda or a mixture of both, then cover all the affected parts of the expander.
Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the entire expander with warm water. Dry thoroughly and the expander should be clean!.
How do you clean a removable palatal expander?
To properly clean a removable palatal expander, first work with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and brush the front, top, and back of the expander. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and allow it to dry.
If there is an odor coming from it, you can use a mild soap or a denture cleaner to get rid of it. Make sure to rinse the expander off after using either of those. If your palatal expander comes with special cleaning instructions, follow them carefully.
Finally, store your expander in a sterile place when it’s not in your mouth.
What happens if food gets stuck in expander?
If food gets stuck in an expander, it can cause a variety of problems. It can cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can lead to abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and other GI symptoms.
It can also cause increased pressure, which can lead to pain and other symptoms. Additionally, food that is stuck in the expander may become impacted and cause infection or other complications.
If food gets stuck in an expander, it is important to have it checked out by a doctor. A doctor may use an endoscope to remove the food and repair or replace the expander. Depending on the food, the doctor may also be able to push it through the GI tract to the rectum or cut it into smaller pieces that can be passed more safely.
In the event of an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. In cases when an expander needs to be replaced, the process can take several weeks or even months.
What foods can you not eat with an expander?
With an expander, it is important to avoid any hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods such as whole nuts and seeds, popcorn, chips, hard candy, onions, carrots, celery, apples, and tough meats. It is also important to avoid excessive sticky or chewy foods such as peanut butter, caramel, chewing gum, and jelly.
Sharp-edged foods such as crackers, pretzels, and toast should also be avoided. Foods that create a lot of pressure on the expander, such as crunchy sandwiches, or overly chewy or sticky foods, should be avoided.
Foods that have a high fiber content should be avoided as well, such as beans, broccoli, and cauliflower. Foods that require a great deal of chewing, such as tough meats or jerky, should also be avoided.
Finally, any carbonated beverages should be avoided, since they can cause the expander to expand too quickly and be uncomfortable.
How many times do you turn an expander?
The exact number of times you should turn an expander depends on the type of expander you are using. Many dental expanders, such as those used to create room for adult teeth, will require one to two full turns each day.
This process should be maintained until the desired size is achieved, which may take several days or weeks depending on the size and type of expander. Other expanders, such as those used to widen the jawbone, need to be turned more frequently and will require up to three full turns a day.
Additionally, expanding screws require up to five turns each day in order to ensure proper stretching of the jawbone. As with any medical device, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to ensure the best results.
How long do you have to wear an expander before braces?
The duration of time you will need to wear an expander before braces varies from patient to patient. Generally speaking, it usually takes about two months for an expander to achieve the amount of expansion necessary for braces.
However, some types of expanders may need to be worn for a shorter period of time, while others may need to be worn for up to six months. Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with more specific information on the type of expander you will be getting and how long you need to wear it for.
How do you clean teeth spacers?
Cleaning teeth spacers can seem daunting, but it’s actually a fairly straightforward process. To begin, you should wash your hands to ensure a thorough clean. Next, you should use dental floss to remove any food particles that may have gotten lodged between the teeth and spacers.
Once this is done, you should use a soft toothbrush and a non-alcohol based dental cleanser to scrub the spacers. You should also be sure to clean the area around your teeth, as bacteria and plaque can accumulate there as well.
Finally, you should rinse with lukewarm water, being sure to rinse out any soap residue. It is important to note that you should not use toothpaste or mouthwash as these can be too abrasive for the spacers.
If you maintain this cleaning routine daily, you’ll be sure to keep your spacers and teeth healthy and free from any debris.
Why is it hard to swallow with a palate expander?
Swallowing with a palate expander can be difficult because the expander is designed to create more space in the upper and/or lower palate, which can press against the back of the throat. Having a foreign object in the throat can cause discomfort and a feeling of needing to “swallow wrong” as the body attempts to adjust and make room for the expander.
The sensation can be similar to needing to “swallow wrong” after having an adult-sized bite of food that is too big. Swallowing can feel somewhat unnatural as the body adjusts to the palate expander.
Additionally, depending on the type of expander, it can cause discomfort throughout the mouth and the jaw, which can in turn make it difficult to swallow as the individual may feel soreness or pain when eating.
Finally, many people experience excessive saliva production as a result of the expander, which can lead to frequent swallowing and problems with food getting stuck in the throat and sticking to the expander.
How long does it take to get used to eating with an expander?
It typically takes about one to two weeks for a patient to get used to eating with an expander. Initially, eating can be uncomfortable for many as the expander applies pressure to the surrounding teeth, jaw, and cheeks.
Many patients report that eating is easier over time, as the initial tightness of the expander fades. During the adjustment period, it is important to begin by eating softer foods such as mashed potatoes, pancakes, and yogurt and gradually introducing tougher or crunchier foods.
Additionally, cutting food into small pieces can help make chewing and swallowing easier. During this time, drinking lots of fluids can also help keep the mouth and throat lubricated. With proper adjustments and practice, most patients are able to adjust to eating with an expander within a few weeks.
Do you get used to expander?
Yes, it is possible to get used to wearing an expander. Expanders gradually become more and more comfortable as the body adjusts. Over time, the tongue and the muscles of the mouth learn to accommodate the appliance.
It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing the expander and make all the planned adjustments. It is also beneficial to practice speaking and doing exercises to work the appliance and muscles of the mouth to help them adjust.
Additionally, keeping the expander clean and free of bacteria and food particles will help make it more comfortable. All of these things will help you get used to wearing your expander.
How do I know if my palate expander is working?
Your palate expander should feel comfortable, but you should also feel a gentle pressure when it is in place. You should also be able to notice changes in the shape of your palate over time as the appliance works.
There are a few ways to check if your palate expander is working.
The first is to look at the shape of your palate in the mirror. Since your palate expander is designed to slowly separate and widen the two sides of your palate, you should be able to see a gradual change in the shape of your palate over time.
Second, you should pay attention to any changes in how it feels. If you notice any soreness or discomfort caused by the appliance, make sure to tell your orthodontist, as this could indicate that the pressure is too high and needs to be adjusted.
The last way to tell if your palate expander is working is to have it checked periodically. Your orthodontist can re-adjust the appliance if needed and measure the progress that has been made to make sure everything is going as planned.
Can I eat pizza with an expander?
Yes, you can eat pizza with a dental expander, as long as it is a removable expander. However, you may have to adjust the way you bite and chew in order for the expander to fit comfortably in your mouth.
You may have to take smaller bites, chew on one side at a time, and use a back-and-forth motion to grind your food instead of a side-to-side motion. If you have difficulty eating with the expander in place, you can always remove it and place it in a container of lukewarm water until you are finished eating.
The expander should never be heated, as this can cause it to warp or damage its structure. It’s important to be mindful of the amount of pressure you apply on your expander while eating, as biting down too hard can cause it to break or become loose.
How do you protect your tongue from an expander?
The best way to protect your tongue from an expander is to be mindful of how your tongue moves when you wear it and to be aware of any discomfort when it is in place. You should also use a soft bristled toothbrush when cleaning your expander and brush your teeth afterwards so that excess saliva does not remain in contact with the expander.
When putting the expander in your mouth, make sure it is introduced in slow, steady movements and use your fingers to help insert and adjust the expander as needed. To help with any discomfort, you can try rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic solution and use over-the-counter topical medications like benzocaine to numb the tongue.
If the discomfort persists, you should reach out to your dentist for further guidance.
How do you relieve pain from Expander?
When you have an expander, regular massaging of the area is one of the best pain relief techniques. This will help reduce tension in the muscles, as well as reduce any inflammation that is in the area.
You can use a barrier cream when massaging, such as Aquaphor, to make the process more comfortable. Additionally, use a heating pad for a few minutes each day to reduce pain in the area. Taking over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce discomfort from the expander as well.
Lastly, when it is time to adjust the expander, talk to your doctor who may be able to numb the area prior to stretching the device to help reduce the pain and make the whole process more comfortable.
Why do expanders hurt so much?
Expanders, which are typically used to stretch the skin before breast reconstruction surgery, can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. This is because they are, essentially, a balloon that is gradually filled with a saline solution in order to gradually stretch the skin.
When the solution is inserted, it causes the expander to stretch and expand, which can be quite painful. Additionally, because the saline solution is inserted through needles, there is a risk of these needles piercing through nerves, which can cause added pain.
Lastly, the process can be uncomfortable due to the multiple visits to the doctor’s office that are required to gradually add more solution until the desired amount of stretch is reached. All these factors can contribute to why expanders hurt so much.
How long will my expander hurt?
It is often difficult to predict exactly how long your expander will hurt, as it will largely depend on your individual pain tolerance as well as the specifics of your surgery. In general, you can expect to feel soreness and discomfort in your area of surgery for up to 6 weeks.
This may include pain, swelling and bruising in the area where the expander was placed. You may also experience some tightness or discomfort when performing exercises with the expander. During recovery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for how to care for your expander, as this will help you manage your pain and reduce the risk of complications.
You may also find it helpful to consult with a physical therapist who can recommend appropriate exercises for building strength and flexibility around your expander. With diligent care, your pain should gradually improve over the 6 week period and you should be able to enjoy the benefits of your new expander.
Are dental expanders painful?
In general, it’s normal to experience some level of discomfort when receiving any kind of dental treatment, including when a dental expander is placed. The size and shape of your jaw, the position of your teeth, and how your teeth respond to the pressure are all key factors.
The good news is that most people report mild-to-moderate pain when getting a dental expander that can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication. During the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthetic to minimize any pain you may feel.
If any additional pain persists, your dentist can prescribe stronger pain relievers for temporary use.
You may also feel some pressure or discomfort when the expander is adjusted, but there shouldn’t be any severe pain. During this time, your dentist may recommend using a warm compress and eating soft foods.
Overall, while some pain and discomfort is to be expected with dental expansion, it shouldn’t be unbearable or intense. If you experience extreme pain or other complications, it’s important to notify your dentist right away so they can address the issue and make any necessary adjustments.