Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 Hey Carol, I don't know if this helps, but if your two docs have a good working relationship, I would call one, tell him you are confused and ask them to consult each other. They really need to work together on this thing. I know from my 2 doctors, when I was at the surgeons last, he called my ortho while I was there to let him know where exactly we were and what needed to be done. Good luck, > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 Hey Carol, I don't know if this helps, but if your two docs have a good working relationship, I would call one, tell him you are confused and ask them to consult each other. They really need to work together on this thing. I know from my 2 doctors, when I was at the surgeons last, he called my ortho while I was there to let him know where exactly we were and what needed to be done. Good luck, > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 Carol, it's not at all unusual for things to change as you go through these procedures. For most of the time I was awaiting surgery, I'd been told I'd have lower only. At one point, my ortho started talking about maybe upper, too. First I heard about only lower advancement, and that eventually turned into advancement plus sideways movement. What's gonna happen with your mouth isn't always predictable, I think. Certainly as far as how long it takes, although my ortho was dead on the money about that one. If I were in your situation, I'd be bugging my ortho and my surgeon to talk with each other, and I'd tell both of 'em I was getting conflicting messages and was confused. Then I'd want to hear from one or the other that the two of them had come up with a plan, together. First step, call the surgeon and tell him what the ortho told you. And I wouldn't put off doing it, either. First thing Monday. You don't want things to start healing up while you delay. Tell him everything may be fine, but that you're worried about it, in light of his comments. Cammie > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 Carol, it's not at all unusual for things to change as you go through these procedures. For most of the time I was awaiting surgery, I'd been told I'd have lower only. At one point, my ortho started talking about maybe upper, too. First I heard about only lower advancement, and that eventually turned into advancement plus sideways movement. What's gonna happen with your mouth isn't always predictable, I think. Certainly as far as how long it takes, although my ortho was dead on the money about that one. If I were in your situation, I'd be bugging my ortho and my surgeon to talk with each other, and I'd tell both of 'em I was getting conflicting messages and was confused. Then I'd want to hear from one or the other that the two of them had come up with a plan, together. First step, call the surgeon and tell him what the ortho told you. And I wouldn't put off doing it, either. First thing Monday. You don't want things to start healing up while you delay. Tell him everything may be fine, but that you're worried about it, in light of his comments. Cammie > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 I am on my second week of expansion and I am having the same sort of problems you are. My orthodontist told me that my expander would not stop, that I could turn and turn and it would just keep expanding. My surgon told me that there is a limit as to how far you can trun it, and to just keep turning it until it stops on its own. Now in this case I really don't know who to listen to! What if my orthodontist is right about the not stopping thing, but I do what my surgon tells me to, then I am in trouble! I see both Drs. once a week so sooner or later one of them will say stop. Also, just like with teeth, your jaw will have some relapse, my surgon said that I was going to over expand on purpose to compensate for this relapse. On a different note, my diastema is now up to 6mm!!! and I still have a lot of expansion left. Thankfully I just had my braces put on yesterday with a E-chain between my two front teeth! Hopefully that will stop or slow the gap. Good Luck, Todd > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 I am on my second week of expansion and I am having the same sort of problems you are. My orthodontist told me that my expander would not stop, that I could turn and turn and it would just keep expanding. My surgon told me that there is a limit as to how far you can trun it, and to just keep turning it until it stops on its own. Now in this case I really don't know who to listen to! What if my orthodontist is right about the not stopping thing, but I do what my surgon tells me to, then I am in trouble! I see both Drs. once a week so sooner or later one of them will say stop. Also, just like with teeth, your jaw will have some relapse, my surgon said that I was going to over expand on purpose to compensate for this relapse. On a different note, my diastema is now up to 6mm!!! and I still have a lot of expansion left. Thankfully I just had my braces put on yesterday with a E-chain between my two front teeth! Hopefully that will stop or slow the gap. Good Luck, Todd > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > Thanks, > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 It would seem to me, logically, that there has to be an upper limit for an expander -- namely, how long the screw is that's doing the spreading. But hey, what do I know? I'm not trained in these things. And just wondering -- what's an " E-chain " ? First time I've heard of that... Cammie > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > you > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > for > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > He > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > afternoon > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > which > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of > 9 > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > So ... > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > are - > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands > on > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > Thanks, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 It would seem to me, logically, that there has to be an upper limit for an expander -- namely, how long the screw is that's doing the spreading. But hey, what do I know? I'm not trained in these things. And just wondering -- what's an " E-chain " ? First time I've heard of that... Cammie > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > you > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > for > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > He > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > afternoon > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > which > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of > 9 > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > So ... > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > are - > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands > on > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > Thanks, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 19, 2003 Report Share Posted July 19, 2003 It would seem to me, logically, that there has to be an upper limit for an expander -- namely, how long the screw is that's doing the spreading. But hey, what do I know? I'm not trained in these things. And just wondering -- what's an " E-chain " ? First time I've heard of that... Cammie > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > you > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > for > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > He > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > afternoon > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > which > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of > 9 > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > So ... > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > are - > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands > on > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > Thanks, > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Carol, You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. That's just me & I wish I could give you better. Bella Change in Expansion Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of you could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be having an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander for some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by 12mm. When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, he said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone through surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the AM and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. He said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that afternoon I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my expander. (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to stop right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had thought I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day back after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go which way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total of 9 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. So ... after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions are - Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that decision? Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a hands on examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! Thanks, Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 It's an elastic band that pulls your teeth together, when your teeth are too far apart to use a noraml band. > > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > > you > > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be > having > > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > > for > > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by > 12mm. > > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, > he > > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone > through > > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the > AM > > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > > He > > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > > afternoon > > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my > expander. > > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to > stop > > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had > thought > > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day > back > > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > > which > > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total > of > > 9 > > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > > So ... > > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > > are - > > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that > decision? > > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a > hands > > on > > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > > Thanks, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 It's an elastic band that pulls your teeth together, when your teeth are too far apart to use a noraml band. > > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > > you > > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be > having > > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > > for > > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by > 12mm. > > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, > he > > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone > through > > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the > AM > > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > > He > > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > > afternoon > > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my > expander. > > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to > stop > > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had > thought > > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day > back > > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > > which > > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total > of > > 9 > > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > > So ... > > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > > are - > > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that > decision? > > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a > hands > > on > > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > > Thanks, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 It's an elastic band that pulls your teeth together, when your teeth are too far apart to use a noraml band. > > > Hi everyone. I have some quick questions that I'm hoping some of > > you > > > could comment on. When my Surgeon first told me that I'd be > having > > > an Upper Palatel Expansion and would be wearing a Metal Expander > > for > > > some time, he said that he wanted to expand my upper jaw by > 12mm. > > > When the Metal Expander was put in my mouth by my Orthodontist, > he > > > said that it had a maximum expansion of 11mm. Having gone > through > > > surgery and been turning my expander as I was told (1/4mm in the > AM > > > and 1/4mm in the PM) I went for a post-op visit with my Surgeon. > > He > > > said we were close and that when I saw my Orthodontist that > > afternoon > > > I should find out for how much longer I'd be turning my > expander. > > > (his exact words were 'if he doesn't tell you, i will') At that > > > point, I was 8 3/4mm out. My Orthodontist initally told me to > stop > > > right there. But then when I mentioned that my Surgeon had > thought > > > I'd be going a bit more, he said 'ok, turn for two more days, no > > > wait, how much do you turn each day?, ok, turn tonight and then > > > tomorrow and then stop.' Now, mind you, it was his first day > back > > > after a two week vacation and the office was a mad house. But, I > > > felt like ... hey, can't he make up his own mind? And why don't > > > these two agree? And how firmly should I push which one to go > > which > > > way? And how the hell was I supposed to know anyway?! So, I did > > > what he told me and made my last turn Tuesday night for a total > of > > 9 > > > 1/2mm. I can't help but worry about the difference in the > > > information I was given initially and what I ended up doing. > > So ... > > > after all this rambling (sorry about that) I guess my questions > > are - > > > Which of the two doctors is more qualified to make that > decision? > > > Why would the numbers change? How can they tell with only a > hands > > on > > > examination and no x-rays? My Surgeon used a ruler but my > > > Orthodontist didn't even do that! Ok, maybe I'm just making a > > > mountain out of a molehill. Any comments? Ideas? Personal > > > experience you can share? All feedback will be most appreciated! > > > Thanks, > > > Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 , Thank you for your advice. I agree completely and plan on doing exactly that on Monday. Normally my doctors work very closely. I think with my Orthodontist taking a two week vacation, he was just a bit out of the loop. I guess I just felt like I was causing potential discomfort for all involved if I said " he said " and " i don't know who to believe " and that sort of thing. I'm hopeful that on Moday my anxiety will be laid to rest. Thanks again for your response! Carol > Hey Carol, > > I don't know if this helps, but if your two docs have a good working > relationship, I would call one, tell him you are confused and ask > them to consult each other. They really need to work together on > this thing. I know from my 2 doctors, when I was at the surgeons > last, he called my ortho while I was there to let him know where > exactly we were and what needed to be done. > > Good luck, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Cammie, Thank you for your advice. It's comforting to know that things, for others and not only myself, can change while the work is being done. I will be following your advice and calling my Surgeon first thing on Monday morning to fill him in on the outcome of my visit with my Orthodontist and to ask that he explain what the change is all about ... and to make sure that the two of them have consulted/will consult on my situation. I really do trust them both explicitly. I guess I just felt a little rattled by the change. Thanks again! Carol > Carol, it's not at all unusual for things to change as you go through > these procedures. For most of the time I was awaiting surgery, I'd > been told I'd have lower only. At one point, my ortho started talking > about maybe upper, too. First I heard about only lower advancement, > and that eventually turned into advancement plus sideways movement. > > What's gonna happen with your mouth isn't always predictable, I > think. Certainly as far as how long it takes, although my ortho was > dead on the money about that one. > > If I were in your situation, I'd be bugging my ortho and my surgeon > to talk with each other, and I'd tell both of 'em I was getting > conflicting messages and was confused. Then I'd want to hear from one > or the other that the two of them had come up with a plan, together. > > First step, call the surgeon and tell him what the ortho told you. > And I wouldn't put off doing it, either. First thing Monday. You > don't want things to start healing up while you delay. Tell him > everything may be fine, but that you're worried about it, in light of > his comments. > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Cammie, Thank you for your advice. It's comforting to know that things, for others and not only myself, can change while the work is being done. I will be following your advice and calling my Surgeon first thing on Monday morning to fill him in on the outcome of my visit with my Orthodontist and to ask that he explain what the change is all about ... and to make sure that the two of them have consulted/will consult on my situation. I really do trust them both explicitly. I guess I just felt a little rattled by the change. Thanks again! Carol > Carol, it's not at all unusual for things to change as you go through > these procedures. For most of the time I was awaiting surgery, I'd > been told I'd have lower only. At one point, my ortho started talking > about maybe upper, too. First I heard about only lower advancement, > and that eventually turned into advancement plus sideways movement. > > What's gonna happen with your mouth isn't always predictable, I > think. Certainly as far as how long it takes, although my ortho was > dead on the money about that one. > > If I were in your situation, I'd be bugging my ortho and my surgeon > to talk with each other, and I'd tell both of 'em I was getting > conflicting messages and was confused. Then I'd want to hear from one > or the other that the two of them had come up with a plan, together. > > First step, call the surgeon and tell him what the ortho told you. > And I wouldn't put off doing it, either. First thing Monday. You > don't want things to start healing up while you delay. Tell him > everything may be fine, but that you're worried about it, in light of > his comments. > > Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Todd, Wow! Talk about conflicting messages. The Expander I have came with an instruction sheet. Right on the sheet it shows how when the appliance is almost at the end the circles will stop being silver and start being black. It's like a warning not to turn anymore otherwise the appliance can come apart. I'd say for certain you should call your doctor's on Monday like I'm going to do and ask them to discuss the situation, agree and let you know what the outcome of that discussion is! I wasn't told about any sort of relapse. I think I'll ask about that too. I was told that it will take 4-6 months for my bone to heal and that my Expander needs to be in that long. I haven't been told yet when my braces will be put on - during or after. What is a diastema? (please forgive my ignorance) I hate the space my Expander has created. Folks keep asking me if I've had a tooth pulled! Arrrgh! Thanks for your response and your advise. Good luck to you too! Carol > I am on my second week of expansion and I am having the same sort of > problems you are. My orthodontist told me that my expander would not > stop, that I could turn and turn and it would just keep expanding. > My surgon told me that there is a limit as to how far you can trun > it, and to just keep turning it until it stops on its own. Now in > this case I really don't know who to listen to! What if my > orthodontist is right about the not stopping thing, but I do what my > surgon tells me to, then I am in trouble! I see both Drs. once a > week so sooner or later one of them will say stop. Also, just like > with teeth, your jaw will have some relapse, my surgon said that I > was going to over expand on purpose to compensate for this relapse. > On a different note, my diastema is now up to 6mm!!! and I still > have a lot of expansion left. Thankfully I just had my braces put on > yesterday with a E-chain between my two front teeth! Hopefully that > will stop or slow the gap. Good Luck, Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Todd, Wow! Talk about conflicting messages. The Expander I have came with an instruction sheet. Right on the sheet it shows how when the appliance is almost at the end the circles will stop being silver and start being black. It's like a warning not to turn anymore otherwise the appliance can come apart. I'd say for certain you should call your doctor's on Monday like I'm going to do and ask them to discuss the situation, agree and let you know what the outcome of that discussion is! I wasn't told about any sort of relapse. I think I'll ask about that too. I was told that it will take 4-6 months for my bone to heal and that my Expander needs to be in that long. I haven't been told yet when my braces will be put on - during or after. What is a diastema? (please forgive my ignorance) I hate the space my Expander has created. Folks keep asking me if I've had a tooth pulled! Arrrgh! Thanks for your response and your advise. Good luck to you too! Carol > I am on my second week of expansion and I am having the same sort of > problems you are. My orthodontist told me that my expander would not > stop, that I could turn and turn and it would just keep expanding. > My surgon told me that there is a limit as to how far you can trun > it, and to just keep turning it until it stops on its own. Now in > this case I really don't know who to listen to! What if my > orthodontist is right about the not stopping thing, but I do what my > surgon tells me to, then I am in trouble! I see both Drs. once a > week so sooner or later one of them will say stop. Also, just like > with teeth, your jaw will have some relapse, my surgon said that I > was going to over expand on purpose to compensate for this relapse. > On a different note, my diastema is now up to 6mm!!! and I still > have a lot of expansion left. Thankfully I just had my braces put on > yesterday with a E-chain between my two front teeth! Hopefully that > will stop or slow the gap. Good Luck, Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Todd, Wow! Talk about conflicting messages. The Expander I have came with an instruction sheet. Right on the sheet it shows how when the appliance is almost at the end the circles will stop being silver and start being black. It's like a warning not to turn anymore otherwise the appliance can come apart. I'd say for certain you should call your doctor's on Monday like I'm going to do and ask them to discuss the situation, agree and let you know what the outcome of that discussion is! I wasn't told about any sort of relapse. I think I'll ask about that too. I was told that it will take 4-6 months for my bone to heal and that my Expander needs to be in that long. I haven't been told yet when my braces will be put on - during or after. What is a diastema? (please forgive my ignorance) I hate the space my Expander has created. Folks keep asking me if I've had a tooth pulled! Arrrgh! Thanks for your response and your advise. Good luck to you too! Carol > I am on my second week of expansion and I am having the same sort of > problems you are. My orthodontist told me that my expander would not > stop, that I could turn and turn and it would just keep expanding. > My surgon told me that there is a limit as to how far you can trun > it, and to just keep turning it until it stops on its own. Now in > this case I really don't know who to listen to! What if my > orthodontist is right about the not stopping thing, but I do what my > surgon tells me to, then I am in trouble! I see both Drs. once a > week so sooner or later one of them will say stop. Also, just like > with teeth, your jaw will have some relapse, my surgon said that I > was going to over expand on purpose to compensate for this relapse. > On a different note, my diastema is now up to 6mm!!! and I still > have a lot of expansion left. Thankfully I just had my braces put on > yesterday with a E-chain between my two front teeth! Hopefully that > will stop or slow the gap. Good Luck, Todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2003 Report Share Posted July 20, 2003 Bella, As always, your kind words are very comforting. Thank you. I have gotten pretty much the same advice from others. So, I'll be calling my Surgeon first thing Monday to see if I can clear this up. As I now understand it, changing measurements in the middle of things isn't so uncommon. I just need the reasons explained to me so I feel comfortable with it. And ... hopefully ... that will happen in two days. Take care ... thanks again, Carol > Carol, > You are certainly not making a mountain out of a molehill. Had the doctor given you an exact on what should be done you would not be left wondering. Instead of well, ok then do it. > Surgeon said looking for 12, orth said has max of 11 meanwhile you are at 9. Kind of confusing. Wish I knew what to say to help you but I have no clue on that procedure. I hope someone else will respond to your post and give you some good info. > > First I would call the orth and review with him the results the surgeon was going for. Looking for 12 and you are at nine. Is there a reason he wants you to stop. That maybe the issue - but you need to hear that from him. With any luck he has settled in from his very long vacation. Then review it with the surgeon. > > That's just me & I wish I could give you better. > Bella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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