Metal Mouth Message Board

I have metal damon brackets on my top and bottom. My last adjustment was just over a month ago, but yesterday I noticed that on a couple of brackets the "door" was not closed. It was like the archwire was in the way holding it open.

Does anyone know if this is supposed to happen sometimes? I can't see a reason why my ortho would purposely need to do that. I don't know how long they've been like that as I just noticed it the other day. There's nothing I can do about it as I am a college student and 3 hours away from my ortho's office. I have another appointment in 5 days anyways. I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on the situation as I am confused and wondering if I should mention it at my next visit. Thanks!

A few weeks after my first adjustment in September I noticed that the door was open on one of my brackets. I pushed the wire back in and with a pair of tweezers, closed the door. I felt instant pressure on the tooth the bracket is attached to.

When I had my second adjustment in November, I mentioned what happened and the ortho's assistant told me I did the right thing and that is exactly what they would have done had I called with the issue. She said that sometimes this happens as teeth move and if the wire was not in just right, movement of the teeth will open the door on the bracket.

I don't think this is supposed to happen, we are supposed to have all the doors closed since this is the way the brackets move our teeth... Anyway, if your next appointment is so close, don't worry.

I had that happen a few times, especially when I first got rectangular wires. It was uncomfortable to close them myself (especially if I didn't notice for a day or two) so I quickly learned to check in the mirror BEFORE I left my ortho's office! Since your next appointment is only a few days away I would just leave it for now and tell them at your appointment - and make sure to check before you leave the office from your appointments in the future (especially since they are so far away!).