Metal Mouth Message Board

Okay, I am now getting very nervous! My son will be starting phase 1 treatment tomorrow. I was debraced this past June, so at least I feel I can empathize, but would like to hear from parents whose young children have been through this. For some reason I am now having 2nd thoughts - just mommy worry I guess.

My sons lower front teeth are basically in two rows (shark teeth). His front 4 baby teeth had to be pulled as the roots were very long and his permanent teeth were coming in behind. His two top front teeth are kind of in a "V" shape, and the two teeth next to them on either side are not coming down all the way.

From my understanding he will be getting a fixed upper retainer, and then a lower removable expander that he will have to wear when he gets home from school and throughout the night, with a key I will have to turn.

This is where I have some questions. I have found tons of info on upper expanders, but limited info and pics on lower. Do any of you have any experience with treatment similar to this?

I don't want to traumatize him, lol! However, have grown up with horrible teeth and being teased -- not getting braces until I was in my late 30's, I want him to have a wonderful, healthy smile now.

Can not help you with the expander part, but my eight year old son started his phase one treatment on 12/16/09, which consists of 6 brackets on his bottom teeth to correct his front crossbite. This has also caused his top teeth to comein in a crossbite manner and I suspect that at his next adjustment the otho will talk about this, if not put brackets on the top 4. All in all, he did very well with the treatment so far, he was nervous when we went in but by the time it was done he did not even realise that they had put all the brackets on. He was concerned that all the kids in his class would laugh and tease him, but it turned out that he was the most popular kid in his class.

Like I said, I can not help with the expander part, but these kids are very resiliant, and will get used to it very quickly. The day after my son started treatment he performed in the school winter concert including a small solo, and did an outstanding job. it will be alright, they get used to it very quickly.

PM me if you have any questions.

Thank you for the reply. I am glad your son did so well. It sure makes it a lot easier on us parents!

Well, today was the big day, and I had it ALL WRONG! I almost started crying right in the office but didn't want him to know my worry.

He actually got four braces put on today on his top front teeth -- no wires yet. I had no idea this was happening today. Then they said he actually is getting a fixed palatal expander on the 16th of February, and a removable expander on the bottom to wear at night (he chose electric green I honestly had no idea he was getting an expander on top. I was confused.

I was SO PROUD of him today. The only thing he struggled with was taking the upper impressions because it makes you gag and is not pleasant. But the braces, and yet more spacers -- he was a trooper. And as you said, he was the star of the class today because nobody else has them.

He loves going there because the ortho has a whole game room, plus he got to pick out a beanie baby last week and another today -- the things that make them happy )

As of now, I feel I am doing the right thing. Now, that may change after the expander goes in, but as of right now -- he is awesome!