Metal Mouth Message Board

Piece of cake but he put a thicker wire on the bottom 16/22 he said. What does that mean? It feels a lot bulkier but no pain just dull ache. July 11th at my third adjustment he wants to put a second set of molar tubes & a second wire to longate the wire on the bottom, what does that mean? I just said ok & left & I was driving home thinking what did he say? Anyone have ideas? Thanks.... I know next time to ask but I was so confused.

16/22 is just how thick the wire is It's good to ask questions! good luck and have fun

Do you have brackets on your farthest back molars? If not he is probably going to put those on and give you a new wire that extends all the way to the back molars. Once you get thicker wires they can engage the back molars.

Johnny - Thanks, I knew it was the size but wasnt sure what a thicker wire meant. I guess its stronger? sure feels it.

JC- I have bands on my "3rd in' molars (I have bottom widsom teeth that we are leaving in) so I guess they are going to be put on the ones between the bands & the widsom. (the 2nd teeth in?) What will that do "by engaging the back molars"?

Sorry I know he knows what hes doing but Id like to understand the concept of the work being done & watch it unfold. I also have learned to ask next time.
Thanks guys.

Ok I just looked at my bottom row & the back two teeth on each side are not in line with others so he's probably going to bring them in line with the back two molars. I assume thats the reason.

My lowers were progressively bracketed between initial placement and the following adjustment. I was sort of sad when they put molar tubes all the way up to a wisdom tooth. It is so hard to floss back there!