Here at Sims Orthodontics, adults from all walks of life ask us how they can straighten their teeth and improve the health and beauty of their smiles. Sometimes, we recommend quad helix expanders. While these orthodontic devices are often suggested for children, they can benefit adults as well.
In adults, quad helix expanders are used for dental expansion. They can widen the arch of the mouth to make room for crowded teeth. They are adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks until the appropriate amount of expansion has been achieved.
When an adult initially receives a quad helix expander, they may feel sore. They may also notice extra saliva and minor speech impairments. In order to get used the expander, we encourage them to speak out loud as much as possible. This will allow their tongue to get used to the device and their soreness and speech impairments to go away.
Adults with quad helix expanders will need to avoid sticky foods such as caramels and taffy in order to avoid loosening the appliance. It’s also essential for them to refrain from eating hard foods like nuts and ice as they may break the device. It is also recommended that their orthodontist work with their dentist to continue to improve overall oral health.
Although quad helix expanders may be uncomfortable at first, adults typically get used to them fairly quickly. With quad helix expanders, adults can achieve their oral health goals and feel more confident in their personal and professional lives.
