After 2 absolutely miserable days, we took Daughter back to the orthodontist today to discuss other options for treatment than the rapid palatal expander. In just 48 hours I had watched my normally happy, sunshiny, bubbly daughter turn into a shell of herself, a slobbering, incomprehensible, teary child who could not eat or even swallow. Something had to be done. The orthodontist was very understanding, and said that while the RPE is his first choice of treatment for her, he is equally satisfied with taking it out and pulling four teeth (two on top, two on bottom) to make more room to align all the others. She was all for it - which means it must have really been terrible for her to choose having teeth pulled over having that contraption in her mouth! So he took it out. And my happy, sunshiny, bubbly daughter returned. She ate a normal dinner, she sounds like herself again, and all is well. She still has her braces and will still wear them the same amount of time and have the same results, sans those four teeth.
Sometimes as a parent these decisions are hard to make. Looking back, I wish I had researched it more before we had it put on, but I actually had no idea she would have that hard a time with it. And while I'm sure the RPE is the best course of treatment for many kiddos, it was not for mine. I feel like we made the best decision for her today. I can go to bed feeling good about it.
And so can she.
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1 week ago
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8 comments:
The main thing is she's happy again. I would say that means you made the best decision. I'm just glad the teeth pulling was another option. Everything needs options. Bear has had no problems with the expander. I have no idea if it's age or what. But, whatever the reason, I'm just thankful Daughter's is out of her mouth!
The teeth pulling will be a piece of cake for her after this horror of a couple of days!
That must have been an awful experience for her. Glad to hear that things are looking better for her and you.
glad to hear she is better! Not looking forward to those days!
kris
I would think that putting braces on and the RPE on the same day was a very bad idea by the orthodontist. I would possibly really reconsider it at a later day. I am just suggesting this because I had the teeth pulled and now at 34 wish I had them back! I was 13 at the time and well anyway...So sorry she was hurting and please don't think I think she is baby...the orthodontist should not have done both on the same day...I once worked for one..anyway...2 cents from a stranger!
E
So glad to hear your daughter is feeling better. No fun to start school feeling miserable. take care, Julie
My daughter was completely bereft with it. She ate nothing. Nothing. Nothing. We had it yanked and said we'd be back in a year. (She was only 9 at the time.) The orthodontist agreed. I hope she's continuing to do better. (Your daughter, I mean!) (Which isn't to say I hope my daughter does poorly.) (I'll stop now.)
Sometimes, parenting is trial and error. The important thing is you listened and paid attention and fixed it! You rock!
I'm glad she's so much happier. that is great to hear.
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