neferkitti, you just made my day! I feel like I am lisping and slurring my words all over the place. And the overproduction on saliva is just gross!!! So thanks for saying that I sound ok.
Dolphin, you sounded great. It was striking to me how well you spoke, so I was compelled to comment.
I was a mess. I literally spent a week holed up, reading out loud, until I relearned how to speak. I don't think I ever really adjusted as well as you have.
My expander looked like this only I had four molars banded and attached. Good times it was not! One thing that I did like about this type was the ability to clean. If you have the same type, ask your orthodontist if he would be okay with your using thin strips of surgical gauze to clean the upper side. This worked great for me, but the molar bands must be well bonded and the surgical site healed if you're going to do this.
What changes do you see in my upper arch?!? I see my face every day so it's difficult to see change.
Clearly, your two upper teeth are separating. That's to be expected, and it's temporary. But, I also see maxillary fullness, which looks really quite good on you already. I think you're going to look great after all of this.