When Does Shaping of Teeth Occur?

[Tiffsmile]

Hola, everyone - I'm on month 7 with my braces and was wondering at what point in time does the ortho. shape the teeth to insure everything fits together beautifully? Currrently, I have what she calls "little triangles" (gaps between the gum tissue and the incisors that give the appearance of black pepper). I should have asked her last time but failed. Anyone have a clue

[sarahorsomeone]

I'm now in braces for the second time (had to undergo jaw surgery), but my orthodontist shaped my teeth on the same appointment I had my braces off the first time.

[Tiffsmile]

Darn! I was hoping it might be a little sooner. She keeps saying, "Bear with me", so I'm assuming it's going to be a while. Thanks.

[GeenBug]

I've never heard of this. Does this happen with every patient with braces? My ortho has never mentioned anything about this to me.

[Snowglobe32]

I've never heard of this. Does this happen with every patient with braces? My ortho has never mentioned anything about this to me.

Some people have their teeth reshaped or bonded after braces. It helps with the overall appearance. Not everyone needs it though.

[abaglady]

Currrently, I have what she calls "little triangles" (gaps between the gum tissue and the incisors that give the appearance of black pepper). I should have asked her last time but failed. Anyone have a clue

I'm at nearly 6 months and have had IPR done at my adjustment today to get rid of black triangles that have opened up as my incisors have moved, but also to give my teeth a bit more space to move. I wasn't expecting it today, though I was told it was going to happen at some stage. As I understand it, the reason my ortho decided to go ahead with it today was because we weren't going to get a lot more progress without it - I haven't had extractions and have a fair bit of crowding, so we have to get some space from somewhere... I guess your ortho will do it when appropriate for your treatment too, but she may not know yet when that will be.

[GeenBug]

I've never heard of this. Does this happen with every patient with braces? My ortho has never mentioned anything about this to me.

Some people have their teeth reshaped or bonded after braces. It helps with the overall appearance. Not everyone needs it though.

Thanks for the reply!

[Tiffsmile]

Currrently, I have what she calls "little triangles" (gaps between the gum tissue and the incisors that give the appearance of black pepper). I should have asked her last time but failed. Anyone have a clue

I'm at nearly 6 months and have had IPR done at my adjustment today to get rid of black triangles that have opened up as my incisors have moved, but also to give my teeth a bit more space to move. I wasn't expecting it today, though I was told it was going to happen at some stage. As I understand it, the reason my ortho decided to go ahead with it today was because we weren't going to get a lot more progress without it - I haven't had extractions and have a fair bit of crowding, so we have to get some space from somewhere... I guess your ortho will do it when appropriate for your treatment too, but she may not know yet when that will be.[/quote

I did have an extraction and my extraction gap has since closed, but I think she is reshaping them because my 2 front incisors are rather triangular as opposed to rectangular; therefore, the 4 front teeth don't fit together nicely, creating little gaps where there should be gum tissue. As you said, there won't be any more progress until that's taken care of. BTW - What does IPR mean?

[DrJasonKTam]

IPR=interproximal reduction, aka filing, slenderization, discing

Reshaping of the proximal surfaces to remove black triangles can happen at any time during treatment after the contact points of the teeth have been aligned. This is usually the best time to IPR for creating space due to crowding also.

Reshaping of the incisal edges of the teeth for cosmetic purposes due to irregularities in tooth shape is generally done at the end of treatment after the most ideal result possible has been achieved orthodontically.

[Tiffsmile]

IPR=interproximal reduction, aka filing, slenderization, discing

Reshaping of the proximal surfaces to remove black triangles can happen at any time during treatment after the contact points of the teeth have been aligned. This is usually the best time to IPR for creating space due to crowding also.

Reshaping of the incisal edges of the teeth for cosmetic purposes due to irregularities in tooth shape is generally done at the end of treatment after the most ideal result possible has been achieved orthodontically.

Thanks for the info.! Great to hear from a professional.