UPDATE - good news, bad news, PHOTOS & concerns

[BoSox2008]

I've had Damon braces on for approximately 13 months, and my experience has been fantastic! I really had no idea that my smile could look anywhere near what it looks like now - and I'm not even finished!

News from yesterday's adjustment

1. I got a postal wire, which is a "finishing wire" with some bends (yay, the end is near)
2. We will be working on refinements from now on, the bite is pretty much done being worked on.
3. I have a slight overjet, but the ortho said that it cannot be fixed any further without surgery, which is not an option for me.
4. Although I am almost finished, I need to wear my braces for an additional 3-6 months, 6 being the maximum, to stabilize the roots (ugh 6 months is so long)

Things that worry me:

-My midline is still off, but I'm not one of those FULL smile people, my bottom teeth barely show in real life.

-The canine on the left seems like its lower than on the right, but since the midline is off and the gumline isn't symmetrical its hard for me to tell, its like an optical illusion!!

-The front tooth on the left sticks out just ever so slightly. Looking at all of my pictures, it seems its been this way the whole time, but for some reason I never noticed it before.

-The tooth next to my front left tooth (sry don't know the correct names!) seems like it is a little bit turned. My ortho pointed out that the front teeth are not the same shape and this could be making it appear out of line.

See photos below, I've included very old photos for comparison.


TOP ARCH

approx 9 months ago


now


BOTTOM ARCH

9 months ago


now



FULL SMILE

10 months ago (bad picture sorry!)


now




What does everyone think?? Any suggestions or corrections that you see that could be made?? Please be picky : )

[Luella]

I think your teeth look great! I don't see any further adjustments that need to be made!

[sak]

Hi Bosox, I'm really a lurker, but your front teeth look A LOT like mine (about 4 months to go, mostly for the bottom teeth). I do see what you mean about your right front tooth. Looks like it could rotate just the tiniest bit to match the left, but your canines look even. I did notice the gums on the Left look a little receeded. Mine are the same way from brushing a little harder on that side. Perhaps that is why one looks longer, but if you look staight across at the bottom, they look perfect. I think your teeth look great. I hope the next 6 months fly by.

[Flaka]

BoSox2008,

I think your teeth look great. I think the canines are about the same lenght but maybe because one shows a bit more gum than the other, it appears to be longer, but don't worry much, the look very nice.

Is it in your plan to fix the midline? Are you wearing elastics to correct it? Have you talked to the ortho about it?
It's funny that Sak mentioned your teeth look like his because they also look like mine and I also have Damon braces

It's cool to see how much progress you have had in the past 13 months.

Time will continue to fly by and your smile will be 100000% perfect in no time!

[BoSox2008]

Thanks for your input! I have trouble explaining exactly what I think needs to be fixed, and after thinking - I might just print out the photos and bring them to my next appointment!

Flaka - yes, I am wearing elastics to further correct the midline and I am hoping it is able to be perfect, however I already communicated to my ortho that it is not my priority. And you're also right! My gums have receded a bit further on one of the canines than the other. I'm not sure why this is happening, but I actually like that my gums have receded a bit during treatment since it makes my teeth appear a bit longer. It was my plan to have my gums contoured after getting braces removed, and this is still the case, but only for one tooth instead of all the front top teeth.


Thanks again for the input - SAK, I'm glad that someone else can see the misalignment of the teeth, because everyone so far has told me that they see nothing! I'll try my best to make sure the ortho is able to see the imperfection I am talking about.

It's strange how teeth can look like your own! Do either of you have photos? I'd love to see what your results have been

[damon2's]

Wow, I think your teeth look great!! Your top arch changed so much from the first picture. I hope mine turn out that nice!

[purpleteeth]

I think they look wonderful! I have Damon's, so it is encouraging to see the finished product The only thing I noticed was the midline, but if you are not bothered by it --- then go for it! I see your results as fabulous!! Yay!!!

I noticed your cross bite elastic buttons on the back are metal though, mine are clear... hehe! Those things drive me nuts right now because they aren't using them at the moment.

[lindesd]

I think your teeth look fantastic. I hope that I achieve that kind of progress! Honetly, they look awesome.



Stacey

[BoSox2008]

Thanks for your words - they are so encouraging!! I can't wait to get the braces off, but I also want the best possible results. After all, these are the teeth I will be living with for the rest of my life - what's another 3-6 months, right?!

I wish they would find a way to take braces off sooner and achieve perfect results... if someone figures out a way, please let me be the first to know : )

purpleteeth - yes I had the crossbite buttons put on in the 3rd month of treatment, but my ortho left them on (as well as several hooks) just in case further tweaking is ever needed. I guess he doesn't want to keep taking things off and putting them back on... they used to bother me but I actually don't notice them AT ALL anymore. In fact - I almost forgot I had them until you just mentioned it in your post. I wonder if it will feel strange once they're taken out...

[BenB]

Sorry to hi-jack the thread but what exactly are 'cross-bite buttons'?