in braces 3 yrs now

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#1 Post by **peach** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 10:50 am

I have now been in braces for 3 years and just wanted to post my incredibly slow progress (the reason why I chose the turtle for my ticker!). I see the ortho next week. I have 3 gaps to close, my teeth are still being leveled and my front teeth need straightened because they're slanted. Feels like I'll be in braces forever. I'm guessing another 2 yrs at the rate my teeth move. I haven't bothered asking the ortho how much longer. I'm already over my initial diagnosis by 6 months. I'm so nervous the ortho will say there's nothin else she can do and my bones are too dense... I've actually had a few nightmares about my teeth (LOL)! Can anyone relate?

#2 Post by **palht** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 1:45 am

Same here, peach!

Actually it will mark my 3-year-anniversary with my braces this August. And I don't know if my treatment will finish by then.

I still have two gaps to close: one in the upper and one in the lower. My upper jaw's teeth move so slow, which is the main hindrance to my progress. The lower jaw's bone is less dense, but I still have one stubborn tooth that is causing a crossbite, and it takes forever to close.

Now and then I have really bad nightmares about braces, and some people even ask me why I have had braces on for too long. But, even if I whining over them, things cannot get faster. So, my solution is just live happily and hope good things happen.

By the way, based on the photos, I think your teeth look nice, and already have a nice shape. I think you can be "naked" after a few months' time!

#3 Post by **Quirky Girl** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 4:26 pm

I know how you feel Peach, my original estimate was 18 - 24 months and I am way over that. I also had gaps but they were closed using springs and keyhole wires. It looks like you have power chains but has your ortho suggested any other methods to help close the gaps? Hopefully I will have mine off before I hit the three year mark but it does get frustrating when you have no idea how long it will take. I just keep telling myself that it will take as long as it takes and it will be worth it.

#4 Post by **peach** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 2:46 pm

Palht- thx for the comment:) I think I'll have a bit longer than a few mths though. I have dense bone in my upper arch and its making it difficult to get my gaps closed.

Quirky girl- I actually had rectangular closing loops w/powerchains and my teeth for about 3 months. When I had the loops, I kept asking my ortho if she noticed any movement. She said it was moving, just slower than she wanted. My ortho decided about 2 1/2 mths ago to give my teeth a "break" and to work on some leveling. She hadn't used springs and I have no idea what a keyhole wire is...is that a wire w/ closing loops or something different? I'm going back for an adjustment this week and have no clue what she plans to do.

#5 Post by **sapphirerose924** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:02 pm

I haven't been in braces nearly as long as either of you. I just want to say that I hope that your teeth move well and it is worth the time and effort for both all of you.

Mine have been moving well and I hope that they continue to do so. I can say that I think that the springs are awful. I have one in front to create a gap and it has turned my lip into hamburger.