positive news for those considering braces - and 2 questions

Message

#1 Post by **pfb** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:38 am

Hello

Three or so weeks into braces (just the top) - a comment and some quesitons.

First, the comment. I was very anxious just before the braces went on. I'm 40 and newly single and all that goes along with that just added to the stress. But so far, the response - from friends and strangers has been great. Only a few people have noticed without my saying something - and while women are not exactly flocking to me, the couple of dates I have had don't seem to mind. Overall, I feel very good about making the leap and while I can't wait until its all over, I agree now with all of those people who said it is just not a big deal.

Now a couple of questions.

1) How soon will I start to notice movement. I have already noticed one tooth has moved, but the others seem to be in the same spots. I did read that there is a period of time where the bone resists movement in the beginning, but then it becomes much more consistent.

2) I need three implants (baby incisors and a molar). Spaces are being made by the braces, this should only take about 8 or 9 months. Can this process be started while braces are on? So, if one space is ready, but not the others, can an implant be put in?

Thanks!

#2 Post by **Betty Bat** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 6:41 pm

Howdy,
I'm getting implants after my braces, also. And, they are to replace baby teeth that didn't have permanent teeth behind them. When I went to the implant specialist (not sure what his official title is), he said that the implant posts could be put in 3 months before my braces would come off. That would give the posts enough time to get established.

Since my braces are supposed to come off in April (that's based on the initial estimate of 18 months), I asked my ortho how I was doing so that I could call the implant specialist and start setting up my appointment. I really like my orthos (there are two of them in the practice and I've been worked on by both of them) and I trust them. He said that if I was his wife, he would wait until the braces were off and I was in a retainer for a while before getting the implants because it would take a while for everything to settle into place. Since I'm pretty squeamish, I'm not in that big of a hurry to get the implants, and what he said made a lot of sense. I'm also going to check this out with my regular dentist when I go for my cleaning this month.

So, I've been told that it's better to wait until the braces are off to start the implant work. Have you seen an implant specialist?

And, on the question about how soon you will notice some movement - many people (including me) noticed some movement within the first month. One of the best ways to check is by flossing. You may notice that you can fit floss in places that you couldn't before.

Good luck on the braces and on the implants.

Betty
(got her braces at age 53)

#3 Post by **Chris** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:24 pm

Yes, I have to wait until braces are off to get the implants.
Ortho wants to wait, oral surgeon wants to forge ahead.

My implants are replacing bottom molars and after 2 1/2 years I've noticed the top opposing teeth have dropped because of not having been able to bite.

Dentist says its not that bad.

I am dying to get these done..and I need a bone graft to boot which will lengthen the process!