Do teeth generally look worse before looking better?

[Anna5]

Yes, they definitely do!
Especially in my two first months with braces, my bite looked much worse than without braces. Now, after three months, it is getting a bit better.

[Tara]

The day after I got my braces on, two of my bottom front teeth began to overlap.

Today, 4 days after I got them, they're not longer overlapping. However my top two front teeth are now beginning to have a gap between them.

:P Braces do crazy things. I guess we just have to be patient.

[TMJJill]

I think it happens throughout all steps of treatment. I know that has been the case for me. I even had fairly straight teeth when I got my braces on too. I'm in treatment to change my bite though.

I got a new powerchain last week on my lowers. All of the sudden, I now have a nice large gap between my canine and premolar. I know I will be addressed later, but it is always disconcerting to see something like that when it happens.

[PatientPatient]

This really is a relief to read! Had my braces fitted on Friday (4 days ago) and things do seem to have shifted for the worse ever so slightly. I take comfort in reading this is normal and part of the procedure.

Would be nice if the orthodontist could give a heads up though, this message board is great to get some peace of mind.

Thanks!