Okay, I am getting braces and an upper jaw expander on the roof of my mouth in a

1. 52

   anissagposted 13 years ago

   Okay, I am getting braces and an upper jaw expander on the roof of my mouth in about 5 days.  I...
   
   was just wondering if the expander hurts for a long time, Also, do they have numb you, when putting the expander on?  Can someone just tell me the process.  And how long does it take to pronouce words correctly, with out sounding funny?  'Cause I have to do a presentation to the whole staff at my school about  4 days after I get them.  Can someone please help me?? I'M SOOOOOO SCARED!!!!

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2. 59

   tysandersposted 13 years ago

   I had one and it's not that bad. They dont put you to sleep and it doesnt hurt. It shifts your teeth in a subtle way so you don't really feel it. Getting the braces tightened is what you should worry about because that actually does hurt for a day or too. You will be able to talk like a normal person after a few days and dont worry about your presentation. Once you tell them you have an expander and braces people will understand. Good luck with your journey to a beautiful smile!

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3. 58

   Jay Stydingerposted 13 years ago

   A couple of other things to note:
   
   You will have a little bit of a speech impediment, kinda like a hissing sound for a while, but not really a lisp.
   
   You will produce copious amounts of saliva until your mouth realizes the expander isn't food.
   
   One thing I didn't like -- and I don't know if it was just me -- the molars they anchored the expander to, end up having wider gaps around them than the other teeth. Ten years later, I still have to pay more attention when flossing these teeth.

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4. 57

   baygirl33posted 13 years ago

   My exercise person used to say to make sure the small of your back is pressed to the bench. Do not arch your back.
   Also pull in your stomach muscles before doing the workout.
   Your stomach  muscles apparently are attached to your spine or back bone .So when you do the workout with your back arched  you'll have trouble and not the desired result.
   She said the stronger your stomach muscles the less back pain you'll have.

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