ARRGGHH! 2nd opinion: totally different approach

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#1 Post by **momtogrif** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 4:53 pm

So, I was all set to go. The ortho wanted to do an extraction on the bottom in front and then do braces top and bottom.
I decided to get a second opinion just in case! Well, I got one totally different. Ortho 2 said that she would pull 2 teeth up top so that my bite can be aligned with the bottom teeth. She saw the crowding on the bottom but didn't think it required pulling a tooth and creating that big of a gap(yes, I told her about the bottom tooth extraction after she suggested the upper extraction). I know I have a major crossbite on the back left and another ??bite on the back right side that 's causing problems.

Ortho 2 also said that it's really hard to move molars and that's why she suggested pulling teeth on top since my crowding is right in front. She said it would be easier to close the space between the molars and canines that way.

I'm so confused! I've made another appointment for a 3rd consultation.

#2 Post by **purpleteeth** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:26 pm

Good idea to get a 3rd, considering what you have been told thus far! I only got 2 consulations because both of mine were similar, just one ortho was more confident and much more experienced - so I went with him. Good luck!

#3 Post by **momtogrif** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:36 pm

I may even get a 4th opinion. I mean I'm looking at spending about $5000, I better be sure of what I'm doing!

I just wish I could see the future! I know my crossbite is a big issue and that they 2nd ortho was concerned that the braces would really open my bite. I just want my molars to touch and I want to get rid of these canines that stick out. Why is this so hard?!
Bonnie

#4 Post by **Higgy** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:33 pm

I can relate....I also had three very different opinions from my consults. The first consult I went to, they recommended jaw expanders on top and bottom, then upper/lower braces....the second consult I had, wanted to extract teeth.....the third consult that I had didn't want expanders or extractors....and that was who I went with....I figure that the conservative route is best to begin with...if extractions have to happen later, okay, but at least there weren't unneccessary extractions or expanders! My orthodontist has been great...and they're coming off in 11 days!

#5 Post by **Filip** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 12:12 am

I would also go down the conservative route - no extractions until absolutely necessary, and confirmed by a second (and third) opinion.

Extracting teeth, especially 1 tooth as opposed to 2, could alter the symmetry of the teeth/mouth. Be very careful about extracting perfectly healthy teeth.

I would get more opinions, and probably go down the expansion route to create more space, although that is a challenging early period of lisping and eating issues (which dissappear after ca. 2 weeks).