How Long Until Noticeable Change?

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#1 Post by **ScubaJeff** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:56 am

I'm currently one month in braces and have been taking a lot of photos of my teeth to track changes. So far, I can't notice ANY change at all. So far, I believe I've suffered many of the symptoms of movement but no change is apparent and is very disappointing.

Could this be caused by my crowding and my teeth have nowhere to move? My ortho told me, during my initial installation, "we'll see how it goes for six months and possibly extract some teeth to make more room". If my crowding is going to be a problem, I'd rather have the extractions done now rather than waiting another five months and slowing any progress.

#2 Post by **Jethro** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:47 am

Hey ScubaJeff,

Everyone's teeth move at a different rate, but it's not uncommon to see little or no movement in the 1st month or two. I applaud your ortho's conservative approach to the extractions...once they're removed, there is no going back (as many have said on this forum).

I too was advised at the consultation that extraction(s) may be necessary, but we would wait and see. After 7 months, it was clear that more room was needed in my lower arch and I had 1 tooth extracted. I contintue to make progress, albeit slowly.

So hang in there and I'm sure your patience will pay off in the longrun!

#3 Post by **Ladybird** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:18 pm

Pulling teeth is a last resort but unfortunately for some people it is neccessary, however I think some Orthos may pull teeth because it's the easier option.

Your ortho obviously wants the best for you by trying to save your teeth.

#4 Post by **WiredIzzy** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 3:07 pm

Hey Jeff!

I'm also at the one month mark and I'm only seeing small changes. I have to agree with the conservative approach to keep your teeth and avoid extractions!

On another topic, how do you find diving with your braces? I'm a very active diver (4-5 times a week!) and I found the first few dives a bit tricky! It seems to be all good now, I'm just working on not biting down too hard on my mouth piece.

Cheers,
Izzy

#5 Post by **ScubaJeff** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:46 am

Thanks for the responses and thoughts on extractions. I'm a bit of a Type A and have a hard time being patient, especially while having to endure these bite ramps.

WiredIzzy wrote: On another topic, how do you find diving with your braces? I'm a very active diver (4-5 times a week!) and I found the first few dives a bit tricky! It seems to be all good now, I'm just working on not biting down too hard on my mouth piece.

That was a big concern of mine before getting them. I too dive a few times a week between teaching and diving for fun. I've always used the Comfo-Bite mouthpieces but find they tend to push laterally into my front teeth and cause a bit of pain. I might try switching back to a standard mouthpiece to see if that improves the discomfort.

#6 Post by **sarahlynn** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:26 am

I didn't really start seeing movement until 2 months in. Don't worry, it'll start happening before you know it. I'm in the same boat, waiting to see if I need extractions down the road.

#7 Post by **epiphany7** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 3:18 pm

While I'm only two weeks into my Adult braces journey, this is the 2nd time around for me, so I remember it well!

That said, my advice would be not to "check" everyday, even though it's tempting. You know the old saying... "A watched pot never boils." Try taking photos only after each adjustment. You'll have more noticeable changes then. You're not going to be able to see the minuscule movement with the naked eye on a day-to-day (or sometimes even a week-to-week) basis.

Good luck!

Wed Sep 16, 2009 3:55 am

Having read a lot of people write that they saw visible changes within the first WEEK, I was frustrated at the 2-month mark when I hadn't noticed ANY changes. After I had my first adjustment though.....wow. I saw very definite changes within the following month. So for me, it was about at 2.5 to 3 months when I couldn't HELP but notice a ton of movement. I now get a little excited after each adjustment because with each one comes more movement, more improvement. I get some random little gaps here and there that I hadn't had the week before and I suppose it's true what they say : it'll get worse before it gets better......but even the strange little spaces and gaps don't make my teeth look worse than they did before braces. And they usually close right up at the next adjustment.
Getting braces has definitely been an interesting experience. I'm still fascinated by the entire process. Just know that even if you can't see it yet, those teeth are definitely moving! They can't not be...

#9 Post by **kilikena311** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:41 am

The changes will happen. Sometimes it seems like nothing is moving, then when you get up in the morning all the sudden things have moved around. I am just so excited because lately my teeth actually fit all the way together!!

#10 Post by **yj207** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:51 am

I've been taking pictures and honestly you will not notice anything until you compare your latest picture and the first picture. You will notice it moved a lot! It's hard to tell throughout the months and days. If you compare the picture you took last week and this week I don't think you will see much (which is what I noticed). Anyways I don't know everyone's teeth moves differently but from what I heard it moves relatively quick (the first stage - leveling) and what takes the longest time is the actual adjusting of the bite.

Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:21 pm

I'm nearing the year mark and I can honestly say that I didn't really see much of a transformation the first few months. Most of my movement started a few months in, and I've seen some of the most dramatic moving within the past two months. It differs with every person.

I would say though that you KNOW your teeth are shifting the most the day after an adjustment! The pain/soreness is the first indication!