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Dentistry/palate expander and side effects

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Question
My 10yr old daughter just had a palate expander placed.  We have turned the key just 3 times so far.  She says she feels pressure mostly in the bridge of her nose when we turn the key.  Oddly enough, today it appears like she has some bruising in that area, by the bridge of her nose.  Could this be related to the palate expander and is it any cause for alarm?  Also, is it possible it is expanding the nasal stuctures as well?

Thanks!

Answer
The pressure that she feels is entirely normal and expected.  I've never encountered any reports of bruising, however.  It is also quite usual for the expander to widen the nasal structures and we frequently observe improved nasal respiration following rapid palatal expansion.  Keep an eye on the bruising situation and if it persists or worsens I would recommend you suspend adjustments and have your orthodontist take a look withing a day or two.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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