Hi Paparazzi (and all). Was waiting to report some good news, but unfortunately we're not there just yet. He's still in braces, getting close to 3 years now, which is a full year longer than we originally thought. His orthodontist did seem to indicate that if everything is in over at the next adjustment appointment, the braces could come off some time in December.
The hours of elastic wear do look like they've increased a little bit, but nowhere the 24 hours a day I know it's supposed to be. So I'm not sure if this is the progress he need or what, but this whole situation just seemed to go nowhere for a long time, I'm glad to see it come to an end.
Thanks to everyone who offered their help, even though it didn't really do all that much. I hpoe my son learned a lesson from this. I'll let everyone know when the big day comes and his braces finally come off.
Elastics
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NewYork1198
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Update December 21...
The big day has finally come. My son is officially braces free as of this morning! Overall, he spent 3 years in full braces, certainly longer than the 2 years our orthodontist had initially projected. But his teeth look much better than they did when he started and he's thrilled to have them off finally.
Now comes the tricky part. We're returning to the orthodontist so that he can pick up his retainers. He'll probably have to wear them full time for at least the next few months. I've read up on retainers and know the potential risks he runs for not wearing them and I would hate to see his teeth revert back to their old positions and ruin all these years of orthodontic treatment. I know how happy he is to be out of braces and am fearful he won't want to wear his retainers. Hopefully I can help this situation out before it ever becomes a serious problem like it was before. From experience or otherwise, what can I say to him or do about it that might get him to listen? Again, any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
The big day has finally come. My son is officially braces free as of this morning! Overall, he spent 3 years in full braces, certainly longer than the 2 years our orthodontist had initially projected. But his teeth look much better than they did when he started and he's thrilled to have them off finally.
Now comes the tricky part. We're returning to the orthodontist so that he can pick up his retainers. He'll probably have to wear them full time for at least the next few months. I've read up on retainers and know the potential risks he runs for not wearing them and I would hate to see his teeth revert back to their old positions and ruin all these years of orthodontic treatment. I know how happy he is to be out of braces and am fearful he won't want to wear his retainers. Hopefully I can help this situation out before it ever becomes a serious problem like it was before. From experience or otherwise, what can I say to him or do about it that might get him to listen? Again, any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
I'm glad that your son finally got his braces off. I know I was ecstatic when mine came off, mostly because I had them for 6 years. How has he been about wearing his retainer so far and what type does he have? The best thing to do is just tell him that he will get braces agin if he doesn't wear his retainer as the ortho instructs. As well as that he will get used to his retainer to the point that he will barely notice that they're in his mouth. Need any further advice just ask.