what other ways to fix gap - upset

This is the place to post general questions and comments about all areas of orthodontic treatment. Before you post a question, use the forum's SEARCH tool to see if your question has already been answered!

New Members: YOU MUST MAKE A POST WITHIN 24 HOURS OF REGISTERING OR YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED. In other words, don't sign up unless you plan to actively participate in the message board immediately. This is necessary to keep out spammers and lurkers with bad intentions. Of course, you can read most forums on the board without registering.

DO NOT POST FULL-FACE PHOTOS or personal contact information on this website. We have had problems with people re-posting members' photos on fetish websites. Please only post photos of your teeth, not your whole face. Keep your email and your personal information private. Thank you.

Moderator: bbsadmin

Post Reply
Message
Author
bracesagain2
Posts: 77
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:51 pm

what other ways to fix gap - upset

#1 Post by bracesagain2 »

Hi everyone - I've developed this big gap on my upper front left side - my front middle tooth and the one next to it.
(And I'm starting to notice tiny little gaps forming on my upper right side.) Can this be stopped or teeth just shifts?

This whole time my ortho has been only using powerchains. Doesn't seem to be working. Last time I went in, he said he would need to do shave my bottom teeth OR to put in a plastic piece where that gap is & my regular dentist would do this. :|

I am not happy with either of these options and was quite surprised to hear this. To be honest I really didn't understand his explanation behind it. :?: I am planning to go in to discuss this with him.

Background: When I selected him as my ortho - main reason was he said he wouldn't have to shave my teeth. Now he's saying that is one option.

AND I have never heard of using this plastic piece to fill in a gap!! Anyone heard of this or done this before?

This has been stressing me out & I'm getting a bit frustrated too. :| It's 17 mos. into treatment. I have Damon braces, 6 clear on top.

Any advice, tips, stories - I'd appreciate it. Thank you all!!!
Top
jem
Posts: 942
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:05 am
Location: UK

Re: what other ways to fix gap - upset

#2 Post by jem »

Hello ba2,

I suspect that what is happening is that your orthodontist is ensuring that your upper and lower arch are precisely the right size in relation to each other to ensure you have a perfect bite; your upper arch is currently only big enough to fit with your lower arch if some gaps are left in the upper which would be closed by the addition of some composite bonding to one or two of your teeth by your dentist. The alternative is to close the gaps on top, thus reducing slightly the size of your upper arch, which means that your lower arch would then be slightly too large so your ortho would reduce the lower arch to fit by doing some IPR ( shaving).

I also have a Damon clear brace just on my front 8 top teeth and have had IPR at 2 of my 3 adjustments. It is not painful and does no damage to your teeth-it is only a miniscule amount of enamel which is removed, no more than about a quarter of a millimetre per edge which can add up to 3 mm across your front 6 teeth.

IPR is very common in adult orthodontics and my ortho told me that invisalign treatment is essentially based on space created by IPR.

Hope this helps

Jem
Sectional brace with Damon clear brackets fitted to front 6 upper teeth 3 January 2012
Brackets added to premolars 2 April 2012
Estimated treatment time originally 6-9 months. Brace removed on 22 July 2013 after 18 months and 19 days
Now enjoying bonded upper retainer plus part time essix/hawley( I have both)

Click here for my story http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42194
Top
jamsmak04
Posts: 58
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:52 pm
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Re: what other ways to fix gap - upset

#3 Post by jamsmak04 »

At my most recent adjustment I had to get a powerchain put on to fix a gap. My ortho said I would most likely end up with another gap inbetween my front teeth but this was normal. Things will get worse before they get better usually. Just be patient.
Braced on Sept 9/11
In-ovation C uppers
In-ovation R lowers
Image
Top
bracesagain2
Posts: 77
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:51 pm

Re: what other ways to fix gap - upset

#4 Post by bracesagain2 »

Hello again - thank you both for responding! I appreciate it!

Jem - your explanation helps me understand it more clearly now.

I know the IPR is a very common procedure, but I guess just the thought of shaving my teeth doesn't sit well with me.

I'm going in to talk to my ortho to see what he has to say again. I'm hoping there's another option b/c I really don't like the 2 that was given to me.

Thank you again!
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Metal Mouth Forum”