We all want to limit the discomfort our patients experience during their orthodontics cases — and this is especially important when dealing with palatal expansion. Fortunately, our experts are on hand today to help with this, so you know how much pain your patient is likely to experience (and whether or not their discomfort is normal).
How Much Discomfort is Normal?
Every patient’s response to palatal expansion may differ. As such, after fitting an expander – and this also applies to many other braces cases – try to call the patient to see how they’re getting on. After all, the next day especially can be a little rough.
Before doing any ortho case, you should always take precautions to try and limit the patient’s discomfort. Notably, an ortho expander case should not be incredibly painful. It may be very uncomfortable and strange for the patient, and you should explain this before the patient has their expander fitted.
However, the exception may be for fixed expanders, especially while eating, as the patient will likely knock the expander while chewing – which, in turn, can place pressure on the gums. Soft foods can help minimize the level of pain.
Of course, if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, it may also be worth looking at other potential problems. For example, you should always check before fitting an appliance that there are no cavities and the like that could be worsened by installing an expander.
When the Expander Doesn’t Fit
If you find that the expander doesn’t fit well, there’s a much greater chance that the patient may begin to experience pain (especially if the expander is knocking directly against the teeth or is too tight against the gums.
Inconsistent Use in the Treatment Plan
Another potential cause of pain or discomfort is inconsistency in the treatment plan. This is especially common for patients with removables who choose not to wear them for 24 hours per day, then try to shove the expander in without adjusting to it. Trying to do it too quickly can also be painful, as can cases where the patient experiences issues with their teeth (such as the molars being pushed through the buccal plate).
Get Professional Guidance for your Cases
If you find that your patients seem to be experiencing excessive discomfort with their palatal expansion, you may need to take a steadier approach. Fortunately, our team will be on hand if you need further guidance with your cases. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for your first dentist consultation!