Transpalatal arch fitting, cutting into DS tongue, is this normal? Please help he is in misery.

[alaspoorderek]

I think that's how you spell the thing in DS mouth, he had it fitted on Friday and it is causing him misery. All the doctor said was that his tongue would toughen up. We were expecting the thing to be rubbing but as it's got a pointy protusion (with a rounded tip) it is cutting into the tongue. Does this sound normal, surely it will just keep on cutting and have no chance to heal?

[penguins33]

Is it something like this? www.northstardental.com/files/products/zoomUpper%20Fixed%20TPA.jpg

I had one about 20 years ago for maybe 18 months to 2 years. Mine ended up making a big groove in my tongue of which only one side healed and so is mainly still there along with some lumpy bits around it. I don't really remember how it got to that point though - I was generally miserable from the pain of having train track braces put on at the same time so it all blends together. I hope your son's settles down soon.

[alaspoorderek]

Yes, thanks, but there is also a bit about 4mm long that sticks out out of the wire, it lies half way between the bend in the middle and the tooth on one side. It looks quite sharp from a distance but on closer inspection it has a rounded end, but it does appear to be the culprit that is causing the pain and damage.