Is there not an "Ask The Doc" forum you can post to anymore?
My problem is this.. I've worn braces the last 20 months, and at my last appointment my orthodontist said he would take them off in 1-2 weeks (this Tuesday). This was to my surprise, because my teeth look far from perfect. In particular, my right lateral incissor (I think that's what it's called) still sits back as it always has -- it doesn't line up with my other teeth! the 2nd main reason I got braces! So naturally I told my ortho this, and at first he asked what tooth I was referring to. This was bothersome to me because I think it is very obvious. Then he said that it IS "straight" and went on to say something like because I have a tongue thrust, it isn't a good idea to close things up tightly because if he did, my original open bite might open back up.
I have a lot of problems with this First, I don't really understand what a tongue thrust would have to do with an incissor not being lined up properly (as in pic). Second, I knew I had a tongue thrust when I started because I had had a consult with another ortho before that. So I had worked on fixing the habit, and I'm not even convinced I still have a tongue thrust.
Worse than that though, my orthodontist had previously NEVER mentioned any such limitations of the treatment, and he NEVER mentioned anything about a tongue thrust appliance or anything like that. Even if I do have a tongue thrust, why wouldn't he have even tried to correct it or even discuss it with me? For this reason I don't trust the guy at all at this point, so I could really use some advice!! Should I not let him take the braces off on Tuesday? He said something about maybe trying to make adjustments in retainers, but he said that only after I questioned him for 5 minutes, so it doesn't seem like that is really a good way to finish aligning my teeth. Doesn't all this sound very sketchy? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks.
~ Jason
Help! Braces to come off Tuesday, not happy w/ result
Moderator: bbsadmin
Thanks for the moral support, ladies. I just want my teeth to look the best that they can. Since I don't understand the relationship between a possible tongue thrust and the remaining problems with my teeth, I'm not yet convinced that this is it. In fact right now I really feel like I'm being ripped off -- it just doesn't make sense that the doc would never have mentioned a tongue thrust appliance or anything. I can see from this site and the web that tongue thrusts are a pretty common problem. So right now my plan is to keep my debonding appointment, and then go confront him with all of this.. I can't imagine what logical explanation he could have, so it should be pretty interesting.
- jennielee81
- Posts: 2144
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:31 pm
- Location: The Old Line State
I would try to PM Dr. Rick
profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5393
He's asked that if something was important, please PM him. He's been very helpful to a lot of AW members that way.
As for corrections done with retainers, my ortho has been doing that with me. He debonded me and then started to push a tooth here and there with my retainers. It works just fine for fine adjustments.
I hope you get the answers you're looking for!!!
Best wishes!
profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=5393
He's asked that if something was important, please PM him. He's been very helpful to a lot of AW members that way.
As for corrections done with retainers, my ortho has been doing that with me. He debonded me and then started to push a tooth here and there with my retainers. It works just fine for fine adjustments.
I hope you get the answers you're looking for!!!
Best wishes!
"Life is an occasion; RISE TO IT!" --Mr. Magorium
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm
I wore Damon 3's and Opals for 20 months at age 42. Braces off January 2007
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3535 a little more about me here: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 961130.htm