Metal Mouth Message Board

One year ago I was diagnosed with severe TMJ because of a deep overbite and because of so much crowding in my lower left jaw I was at risk of losing a one if not more teeth. Cosmetically, my teeth didn't look horrible, but to my orthodontist they were a nightmare. One year later, he is amazed by the progress AND I don't have to have any teeth removed. To anyone debating whether or not to make this leap....DO IT! It will be the best money and time you have ever spent. I am so happy with this decision. I would definitely recommend you go to an orthodontist rather than just a general dentist. An orthodontist will create a smile that best promotes your facial features and bite....but a general dentist will likely just make sure your teeth are straight.

Wow your teeth are so straight! I can't wait for mine to be all moved.

Your teeth look awesome!!!

[quote="signingsunflower"]One year ago I was diagnosed with severe TMJ because of a deep overbite and because of so much crowding in my lower left jaw I was at risk of losing a one if not more teeth. Cosmetically, my teeth didn't look horrible, but to my orthodontist they were a nightmare. One year later, he is amazed by the progress AND I don't have to have any teeth removed. To anyone debating whether or not to make this leap....DO IT! It will be the best money and time you have ever spent. I am so happy with this decision. I would definitely recommend you go to an orthodontist rather than just a general dentist. An orthodontist will create a smile that best promotes your facial features and bite....but a general dentist will likely just make sure your teeth are straight.

That is somewhat of an unfair statement. It really depends on each individual doctor (ortho or GP) and it is unfair to make such broad generalizations IMO.

BTW, your teeth are looking nice. FWIW, from what I have seen I would have treated you non-ext.

Your teeth really look great. I think you have a wonderful smile.

Thank you all for your encouragement. I am so glad I made this decision!!! It has been a long year, but I am glad I took the leap!!

Wow! That really is a difference. You've given me a lot of encouragement.

drrick wrote:

signingsunflower wrote:One year ago I was diagnosed with severe TMJ because of a deep overbite and because of so much crowding in my lower left jaw I was at risk of losing a one if not more teeth. Cosmetically, my teeth didn't look horrible, but to my orthodontist they were a nightmare. One year later, he is amazed by the progress AND I don't have to have any teeth removed. To anyone debating whether or not to make this leap....DO IT! It will be the best money and time you have ever spent. I am so happy with this decision. I would definitely recommend you go to an orthodontist rather than just a general dentist. An orthodontist will create a smile that best promotes your facial features and bite....but a general dentist will likely just make sure your teeth are straight.

That is somewhat of an unfair statement. It really depends on each individual doctor (ortho or GP) and it is unfair to make such broad generalizations IMO.

BTW, your teeth are looking nice. FWIW, from what I have seen I would have treated you non-ext.

I agree, I went to a dentist, not an orthodontist, for my braces because I had heard good things from other patients. He took the time to explain eveyrthing, and when he was outside of his field of expertise (for example, when we were talking about surgery) he did extra research and consulted with other doctors in order to not give me false information. He recommended me for jaw surgery, which didn't end up working out - on account of a total lack of care and professionalism from the surgical firm - and while he still told me that there are things that are beyond his control, he made sure that before he even considered taking the braces off, my teeth were in place to suit MY preferences. I got my braces off a week ago and have never been happier with my smile

Your teeth are crazy gorgeous!!
Congrats!!

Wow..you have such a pretty smile.

What a HOT smile you have!

Wow you are ready for the tooth paste commercial. Your teeth look wonderful.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement. I love the part about the toothpaste commercial. LOL. I still have about another year left in braces. I am super excited to see the end product!

If you are considering braces....do it!!!!!

Signingsunflower: My front teeth are also tipped back like yours were. Can you tell me about how long it took for them to come into line with the rest of your arch? Your teeth look great!

Your teeth look really really good!