Metal Mouth Message Board

You're right to start the conversation with your ortho at your next appointment. No one likes surprises. In my case, my top centrals are different widths, lengths, and shapes and my laterals are different different shapes and lengths. It looks like I was made out of spare parts. During treatment, my...

I was 55, so I'm going to say no.

Not that I've noticed and I drink a fair amount of coffee, tea, red wine, etc.

Like you, I have bonding on one of my upper incisors because they weren't the same length. I also have bonding on my lower incisors to repair chips that happened before braces.

For the first two days or so, don't be a hero and use a mirror. Take some time to develop some muscle memory. After a few days of that, stand in front of a mirror while you're putting them in but close your eyes or turn away. If you can't get them in a couple of tries, use the mirror. Keep at it, an...

I'm sure it's possible but you'd have to pay extra for the removal and then replacement of the brackets. How long have you had them on? I felt exactly the same as you in the beginning, but 3 months later I'm finally used to the ceramic uppers. I still kinda wish I'd had all metal but at least the c...

ljms, that is so cheap! I live in Alberta, and this is the only province where dentists have no fee schedule. They can charge what they want. My last cleaning and exam was $400! I will have to visit Winniipeg to get my retainer! That is so cheap! That explains that! My last cleaning, incuding xrays...

First, let me start by saying, $400CDN for an Essix retainer!? Are they crazy!? Seriously? I don't know where you are but I'd start shopping around locally before going the online route. I'm in Winnipeg and my orthodontist charges $145CDN for one Hawley. I believe the charge for an Essix is $100CDN....

I don't understand why you would want ligatures with self-ligating brackets. Two of the advantages of self-ligating brackets are that they are less noticeable and easier to clean around because they don't have ligatures. You would lose both advantages if you put them on just for decoration. Another ...

I don't know how unexpected this is but I would tell anyone getting braces to get a cleaning and dental exam prior and to get any dental work needed done. It is much more of a hassle to have dental work done once the brackets are on. I agree, and not just for practical reasons. I will also be the l...

To answer your question on whether your retainers will fit after bonding--maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on the type and design of the retainers and where you have the bonding. I know. It's not an answer but your orthodontist can give you better advice. However, I'd like to give you some advice bas...

Your dentist can fix it using a tooth coloured bonding material.

I recommend that you wait until after you get your braces off. Once your teeth are straight you'll notice all kinds of imperfections. When you know what you want fixed, you and your dentist can set up a plan.

I had a horrible time keeping the tartar from building up on my bottom teeth.

While in braces, I had a full cleaning every six months and, in the three month interval between cleanings, I had my bottom teeth scaled--no polishing.

I once had a bracket pop off a couple of days after it was installed. The ortho assistant said that if a bracket comes off in the first week, it probably wasn't bonded properly.

I used a sonic type toothbrush for most of my brace time without any problems. In fact, my orthodontist recommends them.

I still cannot come up with any reason why someone would not be able to wear class II elastics while camping. I wish this forum had a Like button. Using a camping trip as a reason to not wear bite elastics is nothing more than an excuse. That's not a habit you want to get into because it won't take...

For many people Class IIs are the easiest setup there is. It's when you get 3 or 4 on a side, and cannot open your mouth at all, that's when it gets difficult ;) of Excellent point! Even if you're new to bite elastics, class II is as easy as it gets. It only takes a couple of days to get the hang o...