Soft pallet untreated the life span left?
I had a big metal one for about 7 months. You get used to it completely in about 2 weeks, so soon, you'll forget you even have it in.
I had one for about five months, I think. Mine was big and metal too. It is difficult to talk at first, but you'll get used to it. Maybe he's just had his on longer than you, and he's used to talking with it. If you start to see an indent in your tongue after a while, tell your orthodontist. I got my braces off five years ago, and my expander left an indent in my tongue... =[
