My ortho says it's an illusion. Opinions?

[Marigold]

When I look down at my lower teeth, the arch seems to slant to the right. I told my ortho about it 4 months ago and he said that was impossible and that my teeth must be creating that illusion. I don't think it's an illusion because my lower canine rubs into my upper canine on this side. On the opposite side I have a little gap where the teeth don't fit together. That tells me the arch is uneven. I drew a picture to show what I'm talking about.

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Here are some photos. It will be in reverse. What do you think? Am I crazy or do you see it too? More below.

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The wider I open my mouth, the more my lower jaw moves to the right. Maybe this is the illusion? Here's the thing. I had to wear strong elastics on the right side for over a year. He was trying to get my bite into alignment. My bite feels good now, but I wonder if the elastics caused my jaw to pull in this direction. Is this possible? I'm now wearing the triangle formation on both sides, so at least the tension is even now.

I'm in my final month of treatment with a debrace date of Dec. 3rd. As much as I want these things off, I don't like what I see happening. I've been paid up since July 2013 and I can't help but wonder if he just wants to be done with me because it's coming out of his pocket now. Not that I'm accusing him of being unethical, but maybe he feels my teeth can't move any further? He did say perfection would be impossible in my case.

I go back on Nov. 19th for a final check to make sure I'm on track for debracing. I'm tempted to call this week and ask to come in sooner to discuss my concerns. What would you do?

[Catlady]

Hmmm.. I see what your saying about the gap. I think your teeth should be touching. If your bite is perfect, I believe all you need is a couple of elastics to pull that gap together. I had the same problem and I was prescribed to wear triangle elastics on both sides. It eventually closed it up. If you are wearing your elastics 24/7 and they are strong enough, I'm sure that puppy will close up nicely. I would suggest talking to your ortho about your concerns! I'm sure it wouldn't be that noticeable if it doesn't get fixed. Your teeth look beautiful and straight already!

P.s. I'm from Michigan too! Hello!! haha!

[Marigold]

Hey fellow Michigander! I'm glad someone else sees it. I don't know how my ortho can't see it. He's a nice guy, just not very good at explaining what he's doing. I wish he'd just say "your teeth aren't moving like I want them to" ...or something! Good to know about the triangle elastics. I do feel like my lower jaw is more stable when I'm wearing them. Maybe I'll just wait until my Nov. 19th appointment and see where I'm at. Thanks for your opinion.