Any Good Technical Resources?

[LuckyOne]

Hello all,

Sorry for thr long post. I am looking for some more information about braces that will help me determine if my doctor really knows what he is doing. I had consultations with 3 different doctors and they all said basically the same thing. The one I chose provided a relatively thorough preliminary examination (including free x-rays), has a good education, some experience, and was recognized by a local publication. I have only had the braces for about 10 days. But there are some things that make me wonder. For example:
1) After a week I told him that the wires are stabbing me – he did nothing and I have rough spots on my cheeks along with sore spots on my tongue and fingers (flossing).
2) I told him that I don’t feel any pressure on my teeth (I know the pain, tenderness, and discomfort of my teeth moving from the separators to make room for the molar bands) – he said this archwire is just to loosen my teeth but everyone I know says their mouth hurt in the beginning.
3) He says braces work completely different than invisalign (what is the difference between replacing a tray and replacing an archwire to continue applying force?)
4) I see at least one relatively sharp vertical bend in the archwire between the last bracket and one of the molar bands (the teeth don’t look like they need a vertical adjustment or tilting; a couple of the molar bands were difficult to get on and before he put the brackets on I told him I thought there was a small interference between the molar bands and my teeth – he told me not to worry because my teeth would be moving around).
Do you know of some good resource material to help me learn about the details of braces and evaluate this situation?

Thanks,
Andy

[platinum]

Check out these journal, if you don't have access, go to nearest university library....

American Journal Of Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics
Angle Orthodontist
Australian Orthodontic Journal
British Journal Of Orthodontics
European Journal Of Orthodontics
Functional Orthodontist
Fortschrifte Der Kieferorthopadie
Informationen Aus Orthodontie Und Kieferorthopadie Mit Beitragen Aus Der Internationalen Literatur International Journal Of Adult Orthodontics And Orthognathic Surgery
Journal American Academy of Gnathological Orthopedics
Journal Of Clinical Orthodontics
Journal Of General Orthodontics
Journal of Oralfacial Orthopedics
Orthodontie Francaise
Praktische Kieferorthopadie
Revue D Orthopedie Dento-Faciale
Seminars In Orthodontics

[dimeech]

I remember reading that Invisalign DOES work differently than conventional braces because they move the back teeth (molars) first, and later in the treatment the front teeth are moved (?)- correct me if I'm wrong.

With braces, I *think* that all teeth are pretty much moved into their respective positions at about the same time (since the archwire is usually attached to all of the teeth, for example), but this probably varies due to each person's individual problem areas, powerchains, elastics, etc... So I'm guessing that's why it seems (to me, anyway) that you can see more movement in the first couple of months w/braces- since the part most people see are your front teeth, anyway!

[JoviFan]

Ok - I'm on day 15 -- wa hoo!!!! I had mild discomfort the first7-10 days, mostly when eating or flossing/brushing....but the past 5-7, no pain.... which I guess is great, it just makes me feel like nothing is happening yet.....I haven't been able to see any movement yet....all in due time I guess...hubby seems to think that it's good they haven't moved yet, he thinks it means they were 'more solid' to start! LOL

[iBorg]

As for movement....notice any changes in flossing? If so you have subtle movement. I know I thought nothing was happening and then one day I looked and I thought "CHECK THAT OUT! That's fantastic."

Hope you'll have a moment like that soon.

Mike