Tell a loved one they need to see an ortho?

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#1 Post by **sisi** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:13 pm

My sister had braces as a teenager and had beautiful teeth as a result. She is now 28 and I have noticed that her teeth are moving out of position. I have never seen her using a retainer although she must have had one years ago.

She is very pretty and confident and I really do not want to make her insecure about her teeth. However, I am slightly afraid for her that they will get worse and worse. Do you think I should advise her to go to an ortho to get a retainer at this stage? I really don't want to knock her confidence. I can't decide what to do - any views would be appreciated.

BTW I have recently got braces so that is probably why I am really noticing her teeth recently.

#2 Post by **starzz** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:30 pm

No I don't think you should tell her she needs to see an ortho. I don't think you should comment on it at all unless she brings it up. It's a very personal decision.

Just tell her about this board and mention a lot of adults on this board are having braces a 2nd time and leave it at that.

#3 Post by **ScottR** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:48 pm

You could just bring up the subject by saying your orthodontist has talked to your about retainer wear after your treatment is finish and you were curious her how long she wore a retainer. Then you could mention relapse a couple of times. She just might look in the mirror and think "jeez my teeth aren't as straight as they use to be". Just plant the seed let her think about it.

#4 Post by **miss25** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:02 am

I dont know what kind of relationship you have with your sister, but I would tell mine.

You can do it in a nice way. Ask her if she still wears her retainer. tell her you noticed her teeth are not exactly where they once were and you read about someone who's teeth shifted and you think she should start wearing her ratainer to prevent this or go get a new one from the ortho.

She is your sister and you know her best. I know I could and would tell mine in a nice way.

#5 Post by **danish** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:43 am

..maybe she IS aware that her teeth are not as straight as they used to be but has decided that it's not important?

There is more to a smile - and certainly to being happy - than straight teeth. So... I personally would not bring it up, unless she comments on it herself.

Danish

#6 Post by **CactusZAF** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:43 am

I'd just ask outright, due to recently getting braces, how often she wears her retainer as I'm aware of retention issues and relapse etc...

I'm sure that would bring it to her attention, if not it's obviously not important to her or she would think more deeply about the issue.

Good luck, this is certainly a sensitive situation.

#7 Post by **rolo** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 12:33 pm

I am in the same situation with my sister. I have discussed my treatment, and she knows I think retainers are good for life. I have linguals and lower ceramics, so she knows there are alternatives to tradtional metal braces. I haven't mentioned her teeth though. I know she spoke to her dentist re relaps and they took pics of her teeth to observe for movement.

#8 Post by **sisi** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 1:05 pm

Thanks for your advice guys. I have a very close relationship with her and normally we could talk about anything. I just feel that bringing up her teeth directly might hurt her feelings.

I have pretty much decided that the best thing to do is to talk to her about MY teeth and say that it is a pity that I will have to wear a retainer for life as teeth move back to their original positions. Hopefully, she will work it out herself. (Although if they get a lot worse I will say something before it is too late)..