tpa really sucks

[ohnobraces]

Hi, this is my first time on this blog. I am thirty nine and I have had my braces on now for one week. Today I had my transpalatal arch put on. I don't think that it is on right. Can anyone tell me how it is supposed to fit. Do it touch the roof of your mouth. I can fit my tongue in between the roof of my mouth and the arch. This is worse than the braces.

[mariahfromchicago]

Welcome, ohnobraces! I don't have a TPA, so I don't know, sorry. Hope it gets better!

[Sunny]

Great you've found this forum Ohno!

I've never had a TPA, but I'm amazed at the number of patients I see with one. I've only observed a small number being put in, and none have touched the roof of the patients mouth. The patients were told to expect it to be a week or two before they felt totally comfortable with the TPA, and during that time, to read outloud the Rainbow Passage as often as they could. Also to sing and recite from books. The orthodontists' recommended additional warm salt water rinses to help sooth their mouth.

Most patients appear to adjust well before their next appointments and report that they quickly forgot they have a TPA. Hope this also happens for you.

Take care!

[ohnobraces]

I am happy to report that I no longer have the tpa on. I went back to the dentist in the morning to get it checked. It wasn't on right in the beginning. He took it off and told me that it was only a precaution to make sure my molars didn't move in the whole process and If I wanted I could keep it off. If he noticed that my back teeth started to move, | would have to put it back on. Lucky me. For now anyway. Thanks for the advice.

Can't wait for June 2010.

[mariahfromchicago]

Great that the problem is solved. June 2010 is closer than you think.

[Sunny]

It sounds good Ohno!

Here's to your molars behaving and you not needing the TPA back!

[coolestSamantha]

Thats great I'm so glad you don't have to wear the tpa that you hated. Glad you found the forum and send me a message any time, I'm here everyday.
-Sam