Palate Expander experiences?

[mamajake]

The orthodontist just told me that two of my sons (ages 8 and 14) need palate (or palatal) expanders and braces. I have never seen one of these devices before today and it looks quite medieval. It certainly look uncomfortable.

Has anyone had experience with these and can share the experience? Any tips to making it less uncomfortable or things to watch out for?

Many thanks!

[Sileree]

I had one along with braces. Braces hurt, but I don't remember the expander hurting. It just made me lisp. Its a much better alternative to getting teeth pulled to get more room.

[BAU3]

My 10 yr old ds has a palate expander on both the top and bottom. He's had it for a couple of years now, and it certainly has given him more room in his mouth. But man o man its a lot of hardware in there. He just got braces last week, too.
The expander has never really bothered him much, we have the kind we turn every couple of days.

no advise, really. just wanted to share my experience.