Should I call for an earlier appointment?

Message

Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:51 am

I'm 29 years old. I was braced (regular metal brackets) on September 7th. I have had no pain and no movement. I know it's only been 12 days since I got braces, but shouldn't I have had some kind of discomfort?

My first adjustment isn't until November 16th, 10 weeks from the initial "installation" appointment. I feel like that's a really long time to go between the first and second appointments.

I'm wondering if they're prolonging my treatment for a reason. I'm totally impatient, can you tell?

Thanks...

#2 Post by **caryca** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 9:39 am

I had no pain for the first 2,5 months. The first bit of something I got after 2 weeks in braces, one tooth started to ach a bit..that's all, only after the change of wire(2 adj. after 10 weeks) I was really in pain.

are you sure you have regular braces? I think the standard porcedure for regular one is each 4-5 weeks.

I woudl not worry about the 'no pain' factor, about the 10 weeks, I don't know, maybe in your case the wire will still work?

#3 Post by **Nikkiekoala** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:47 am

If the orginal poster has Damon 3's 10 weeks is pretty much the schedule for adjustments. If they don't than and have regular braces that require ligs than 10 weeks is a long time.
I have Damon 3's I haven't experienced much pain, just an occasional tooth that would be sensitive. I don't have much 'visual' movement but I can tell a difference in my bite.
Be patient it will happen.

#4 Post by **Attagirl2** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:05 pm

Sounds to me that the ortho put on a light wire so as not to move the teeth too quickly. This not only gives you a chance to get used to the brackets against your cheeks, but allows the roots to move slowly, which is good for them. I wouldn't be too worried at this point.

Mon Sep 19, 2005 5:13 pm

Yes, I'm positive that they're regular metal brackets. I couldn't afford ceramics or self-ligating ones. I thought the 10-week appointment sounded far off when I was discussing times with the receptionist. I didn't mention it even though I was sure most people had adjustments around once a month...

I thought I'd get home and be in pain, but I haven't been.

Attagirl - perhaps you're right and they're just starting me off easy.

I think I'll give it another week or two and if there's still no progress, maybe call to see if I can get in earlier.

Thanks for all of the helpful (and reassuring) responses!

#6 Post by **cookie** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:56 am

I'd not worry too much about the time between appointments. I've just looked back through my diary and my first adjustment was 8 weeks after being braced. All my subsequent appointments have varied between 5 and 7 weeks. My thinking behind this is that my ortho knows what he is doing (after all, it's his profession!), and that if he says 8 weeks, then that's what best for me and my teeth.

#7 Post by **mackenzie** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:25 pm

I got a new wire after 2 weeks. I went in to have some filing done on a funny shaped tooth and told them how I had no pain at all or anything, and I ended up getting a new wire. No pain from that one either though.

#8 Post by **medictrina** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:17 pm

Wow! We are on the exact same schedule! I had horrible pain for the first week but my teeth feel great now. A sore tooth here and there, but mostly pain free. I thought 10 weeks was a bit long too, but after reading some responses, I'm not worried!