Do you ever feel your progress is slower than others?

Message

#1 Post by **newmetal** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 12:11 am

I am a regular on this site and always set time aside to look at forumers uploaded pictures. My case is very similar to some of the pictures uploaded but the progress of others always looks much faster than what mine is. Ive always thought my ortho was top notch at what he does, but with the delay in progress and the inconsistency of my ortho i am starting to question if he is that good. In reference to his inconsistency, he will mention things in certain appointments such as 'in your next appointment we will discuss how you think things are going and discuss taking them off', then when it gets to this follow up appointment nothing is mentioned and when i raise the subject it is brushed over.

I understand that different individuals teeth move at different rates but the progress of others is always atleast half a year ahead in relation to mine.

Newmetal

#2 Post by **Clo** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 2:40 am

Hihi, all the time I feel that. But do remember, only the end result counts. Later on
you will very quickly forget it took some more time. But you will not forget the good
result that was obtained.

#3 Post by **Pepper** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:40 am

I never feel like that... I'm 16 and my teeth move quite fast.
However, I can understand how you feel. Sometimes when I look at the before and after pictures that people post, I get discouraged and think that my teeth will never look that nice. Don't worry about it though.

Wed Dec 26, 2007 1:41 pm

The only reason that I haven't gotten my braces off yet is that I have to lose one more tooth (remember, I am 13). And they are making room for a tooth, but thats basically it.
- mariah

#5 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 2:55 pm

Hey Newmetal, don't be discouraged! I saw how fast your extraction gaps closed and I was so jealous! Mine are just now showing signs of being nearly closed after 8 months going on 9 next month. I keep hearing that my gaps have closed too quickly for my age, but then again, the ortho was also surprised at how quickly my teeth moved. I was looking at 3 to 3.5 years in braces, but if my teeth continue to move along, I may be done faster. Orthodontics is a science, but bioforces are always different and will always change the final equation. P.S. I saw the last pic of your teeth and I think they look awesome! WHat's another couple months to have lasting results?

#6 Post by **newmetal** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 5:35 pm

Thanks alot for all the responses.

Miss smiley, your post was very encouraging and im really glad to hear your extraction gaps have almost closed (going to take a look and see if you have any pictures i can look at). You're right, in the great scheme of things what is another couple of months.

Once again, many thanks for all your advice.

Newmetal

#7 Post by **Thathrill** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 1:29 pm

I too felt this way. There were some pics posted that seemed worse than mine and they moved along faster than i did. But at my last adjustment, my ortho was excited to see that i am getting pretty close to surgery. Meaning my arches/teeth are aligning ahead of time and only just after 6-7 months. He even took molds to make sure. So now I realized that we all move at different spaces and while I felt that some of my movements (particularly the bottoms) have been slow, in reality its going well.

hang in there and convey your concerns with your ortho. maybe make a special appt to discuss things instead of trying to talk during your regular adjustment. remember you are paying him to work for you.

#8 Post by **Clairey Fairey** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:03 pm

I felt the same too. I'm sure I've posted on here before moaning about how my teeth refuse to move!! But now when looking at photos I can see a major difference. It's only when u look back that u notice it. I do feel though, that my ortho (and probably others) do tend to drag out the treatment, doing the slightest adjustment each time. So I always make sure I tell her to do as much as possible!! She's worried it'll hurt to much but I don't care if it gets things moving!!

#9 Post by **joney** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 5:38 pm

My teeth seemed to be moving really fast but alas they have decided to stop. My bottom extraction gap just doesn't seem to be closing and because everything went according to plan in the past I'm cross with it. I'm sure it will close eventually (at least I hope so) but I had really good movement up to now. I guess things don't always go according to plan which is probably why orthos give a six month either side estimate.

#10 Post by **jennandtonic** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:19 pm

Oh my gosh, yes, I've felt the same way tons of times! Especially when some people who got braces around the same time as I did post about their retainer woes. I'm thinking 'I wish!'

I had a gum swelling issue that my ortho was concerned meant root resorption, so my progress had to virtually stop for about three months, which pushed my time back even further from the original 20-26 months. It's very frustrating to look at progress pictures and see almost none.

So as you can see, all of us can really empathize, newmetal! We just have to realize the virtue of patience--which is no mean feat.