Are my lower braces ready to come off?

[sharp]

My orthodontist (my second one) has told me my lower braces are ready to come off, and a permanent retainer will go on the back of the lower teeth. I'm not so sure I'm ready, because there seem to be gaps in my lower teeth. I think you could understand my hesitation if you read my story at the link below. I've had braces for 7 years now.

http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=38527

Because I've had braces for so long, I'm determined that I end up with a perfect result.

Would these gaps worry you, and can anything be done about them? Or am I asking for too much?

Pictures are attached. I'd appreciate your opinions.

Thankyou.

[sharp]

More pictures.

[Leebie3]

7 years!? wowsers.. why so long?

[sharp]

Read the link I posted. It's been a disaster.

What do you think of my lower teeth?

[bracesagain2]

Hi - from your photos, I personally think the gaps are too big. I didn't read your whole story.

Did you try powerchains? I'm sure you have if you've had them on for this long.

I had some spacing issues too and my ortho said I would have to get bonding or veneers.
Thankfully it did close, but I may have some tiny spaces and he said I would have to get the bonding.

Whereas my general dentist would recommend a veneer.

I would talk to your ortho more and bring up these space issues with them. Sometimes it's just the shape of our teeth and maybe the gaps won't close all the way.

[Plumcore]

There could be many reasons why some gaps remain, shape of the teeth for instance, position of the roots in your gums. The gaps don't seem TOO big to me to be honest, and it just seems that they are there because of your teeth shape. But i would bring this up with your ortho, and see why or how they can close.

[sharp]

The thing is, I never had these gaps before I had braces.

I also never had these gaps when I was being treated by my previous orthodontist.

They make me lisp.


Other than the gaps, does anyone thing my lower teeth are otherwise ready?

[sharp]

I'm seeing my orthodontist tomorrow. I will tell him and see what he says.

I'm just not sure if this problem is solvable?

[sharp]

Hi everyone, just an updated FYI:

The ortho filed the top of some of the lower teeth to reduce the gaps.

The "black triangle" gaps are smaller now, but not gone.

[Eternal]

Powerchains. why don't you have them?

[Matilda]

Would these gaps worry you

After 7 years? Yes, absolutely.