Quad Helix Expander Question!!?

Hi guys,

I got a QuadHelix expander in on friday.

It's hurt a little, but not very much at all (haven't needed to take pain killers).

I know the deal with the imprint on the tongue and the annoyance of the appliance, but two questions!!

(as my orthodontist isn't open on weekends to ask!)

1. I can't actually bite together. Not that it's too sore (it's a bit tender) but on the right hand side, my teeth don't actually come together.

I do have a cross bite - the right side top jaw goes underneath the bottom teeth, on the left side of the upper jaw, the teeth bite over the bottom.

Now, the problem- the metal ring on the molar - there's a little thing on the side of it, i think that's what's preventing me from biting down. (it's too low perhaps, and i'm biting on the little side thingy on the molar band, as opposed to my teeth comming down on it)

Does this need to be fixed?

Am I not supposed to be able to close my teeth on the right side? Or is that not normal?

2. I'm having great difficulty in swallowing food. Even drinking water and stuff.

I haven't tried to eat anything hard, or chewy- just mash, and soup.. But I still am finding it difficult. My tongue keeps getting caught, and the mash feels as though it just wont go down because it's going to the roof of my mouth with the wires and all.

agh!

If you've got experience with a quad helix expander, any answer would be muchly appreciated!!!

Thanks! :D