Gretchen and the Expander

Gretchen visited the orthodontist last Thursday to start her treatments.  She has what Shelby had, a need to have her upper jaw expanded and pulled forward to make room for all her teeth.  She has two teeth that have been missing for almost 2 years.  The orthodontist said they just don't have anywhere to come in, so we need to make room.

This involves putting a piece of metal in her upper palette that is hooked to her back molars.  Every day, we use a key to turn a gear in the expander to s-l-o-w-l-y expand the upper jaw.  She will have this for 6 weeks, when we add braces on her four front teeth.  This will help move them around and make room for those teeth.  This will also provide a hook for the headgear she will need to wear at night to help pull the upper jaw forward.  

Her first appointment was to insert spacers (rubber bands) in between two of her back molars.  This moves the teeth ever so slightly and allows enough space for the metal bands to wrap around these teeth.



Gretchen, getting the expander put in

She wore the bands for a week.  A few days after the bands were inserted, she went back to have a form made of her mouth, so her expander could be custom made for her.  The thick toothpaste-type stuff used to make the mold was flavored.  I was amazed at the flavor choices.  Grape, pina colada, watermelon, mint, cherry, bubble gum, etc.  Gretchen chose Cotton Candy. 

Getting the form made

On Thursday, the expander was inserted.  It didn't take very long, just a few adjustments and she was done. 

Officially a metal mouth

Gretchen is doing great.  It makes her talk funny, but she'll get use to it - or she better, since she'll be wearing it for over a year.  :-) 

We're on our way now and it feels good to get the process started.  I know she'll be happy once it's done.