SARPE and Ortho visits

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#1 Post by **JawGuy** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 2:38 pm

I have read that SARPE is performed and the jaw is expanding for a few weeks. After this, the jaw is stabilized for the next 6 months to allow the bone to heal in the new position. During this time braces are not on.

My question is, during this six months are you having to see the ortho for any reason? Why reason that has delayed me getting my teeth fixed is that it requires me to be in the same place for so long and I like to travel.

So, I am wondering if during the stabilizing period if I could not see the ortho at all? Is that pretty normal?

#2 Post by **geordie999** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:35 pm

I had SARPE in mid-May and then braces on mid-June. Based on my limited experience the actual expander is kept in place anywhere from 3 months to 1 year but is usually replaced with a trans-palatal arch for the remaining time or the rest of the treatment. When my braces went on my ortho put in a light wire for the next couple of months and then I transitioned to a stronger wire at the beginning of this month.

#3 Post by **JawGuy** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:56 pm

During the 3 months to a year how often do you see your ortho?

#4 Post by **sauerkraut** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:52 am

Between finishing expansion and having braces fitted (around 7 months) I continued to see my ortho at approximately 6-week intervals. FWIW

#5 Post by **DrBlur** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:54 am

I was fully braced for 4 months before I had my SARPE this past week...the surgeon just cut the archwire between my front teeth in order to allow the expansion

#6 Post by **BracketRacket** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:36 am

I saw my ortho a few days after surgery and every few days while I was expanding. Then I saw him for a "look-see" about once a month, and when my expander (bone-borne) was removed, he crafted a retainer. It's now about a month later, and my upper braces start going in a few days, a little less than four month after surgery.

#7 Post by **geordie999** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:53 pm

I've seen my ortho about once a month since having my braces in. They remove and retighten ligatures but that is about it so far. I know the ortho was concerned not to move too quickly so that I fully healed. From what I've heard with the development of modern memory wires (wire that holds its shape when it gets warm) is that you have to visit the ortho far less than before - once a month vs once a week (with the old stainless steel wires).

#8 Post by **DrJasonKTam** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:16 am

We see our SARPE patients shortly after surgery, and then monitor on a regular basis every 4-8 weeks.