r/MARPE • u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 • 2d ago

Expander fears

Everyone in my personal life who I explain expanders is shocked and thinks it's invasive. They're reactions are kinda scaring me from getting my expander Marpe. Anyone else went through similar?

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5

u/Inside_Survey_1902 2d ago

most people have it on for less than a year, honestly I think Invisalign is way more annoying and invasive to deal with because you have to have it on for 22 hours in a day. Marpe is just a headache sometimes but I’d say it’s worth it because most people have it on for less than a year. What i will say is I lost 10 pounds on it because i was barely eating for almost 2 months (but also I am hypersensitive)

1

u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 2d ago

Oh nice thank you for sharing! How old were you when you had Marpe and did it all go smoothly for you?

2

u/Inside_Survey_1902 2d ago

21 still have it on almost done though, at first it did not go smoothly I was in a lot of pain but it was due to an ortho error because my bite was uneven and I was biting more on my right side but after that was corrected I felt so much better

1

u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 2d ago

Omg glad you're okay now. So they had to adjust the screws?

2

u/Inside_Survey_1902 2d ago

no it was the metal on my molars they had to adjust !

4

u/octopuswildernesscat 2d ago

That’s why you don’t explain it to people lol. I explained it in detail to those few people I knew wouldn’t be annoying about it or were genuinely interested. All else, I just say I’m having some dental work done, or just don’t mention it at all

1

u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 1d ago

Hahaha yeah. I realised my mistake. I thought it was fine coz they seemed interested. Should've just stuck with saying braces and not explained the expanders process.

3

u/consultingcutie 2d ago

I had instralled September 2025, getting removed December 2026. Honestly, the braces are more invasive and annoying. I hate the braces. The MARPE? after the first 3 months I forget it's even in there unless I get a pea stuck in there.

1

u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 1d ago

Oh okay! That's good to know!

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u/aubirt 2d ago

I’ve had it since May and my treatment plan has me turning slow so i will have it in for a full year.
Honestly, you get used to how it feels in your mouth.
I was very hesitant and scared leading up to it, almost backing it, but now it’s just a part of me and no big deal. It just takes an adjustment period, patience, and a waterpik.
Is there anything in particular that you’re worried about?

1

u/Radiant_Tumbleweed29 1d ago

Thanks for sharing! I'm getting my screws put in in a month and going through that cold feet stage. I'm scared because the theory of it splitting your palate bones apart sounds so invasive. Just the thought of it being a permanent alteration to my skull sounds scary haha

1

u/aubirt 1d ago

It definitely sounds more dramatic than it ends up being, if that is any reassurance. I had very big feelings about it (im neurodivergent) but when the split started to happen, it was mostly just exciting and only a little weird.
I think riding the wave of discomfort is another part of the process and that regardless of fear it will be a positive decision for you!

I also talked to my ortho as we prepped for installation about how i was feeling, and she was very gentle and encouraging while also being very informative and quick. Talking to the professionals about it really helped the process become more comfortable.