Metal Mouth Message Board

I know I'm new to the process (I've been braced for 3 weeks tomorrow), but have a potentially strange question. A little background on me: I do not have molar bands, and also do not have any brackets on my second molars, upper or lower. When I met with my ortho, he indicated that he'd be working on widening my arch (to get rid of the V shape) and would not be extracting any teeth.

In the past 3 weeks, I have noticed all sorts of movement (yay!), constantly shifting bite, etc.... however, in the last day or so I have noticed that my first molar (with the last bracket) has moved IN, away from the second molar, and seemingly making the arch narrower.
(Sorry for the large pic - the smaller version didn't seem to show it as clearly....)

I'm just looking for some input --- is this something I should mention to my ortho now, or should I just wait till my 1st adjustment on 3/23? I only ask now because if it is going the wrong way, I'd rather start reversing it now rather than another 7 weeks from now. Or am I just paranoid and worrying for no reason? I look forward to any/all advice from the experts on the board!! Thank you in advance!

Hello, anyone??

I wonder if I wasn't clear in my post, or if no one feels comfortable responding. Guess I'll call the ortho, since only he can tell me for sure if this movement is correct or not.

Thanks anyways!

I had a similar fear shortly after I got braced.

My back molars were bracketed, but not wired in for the first couple months. They ended up both migrating back into where my wisdom teeth had been only months before. Like you, I debated calling, but I never ended up doing that. I just mentioned it at the next appointment - I was surprised at how fast they moved back to where they were supposed to be after he wired them in!

Thanks so much for the reply! I am relieved to know I'm not crazy for being a little concerned over this movement. I did end up calling the ortho this afternoon, and they stated this was part of the rotation process, and I shouldn't worry. As mentioned, I've not yet been braced for a full month, so of course I'm still such a newbie!! How long have you been braced? At this point, I'm not sure if he'll decide to bracket/wire the second molars, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Thanks again - I appreciate the comments.

Hi wycket,

I can clearly see what you're talking about. I don't have any specific answers but I do know that teeth can move in all sorts of weird directions until they 'settle'. I currently have a tooth that is tilting to the right, when it was previously perfectly straight. Of course, I'm mildly concerned (because I want straight teeth NOW, dammit!) but I'm sure it will all move back into place.

Now that I think about it, my back molars weren't bracketed until my first adjustment. Maybe yours will be too.

Good luck!

Very difficult to tell with a sectional photo like this, but it is possible that the 2nd molar is the one that is rotated out of alignment at this time and that the other teeth are now aligned. 2nd molars aren't always bracketed or banded for a variety of reasons, but can be aligned later in your treatment. Speak to your orthodontist about your concerns. Good luck :).

Thank you so much, Donna and Dr. Tam, for your additional comments - I really appreciate it! I'm attaching 2 add'l photos of the entire arch -- however, it appears not all of the teeth are shown in the ortho pic, and my tongue is sorta in the way in the other! So I'm not sure if this will help illustrate what's happening....

Original ortho pic:


Last week:


I did speak to the ortho's office, and they assured me that this is all part of the initial process. I think I was just worrying for no reason, silly me. With all of the changes going on in my mouth, I think I'll just have to "grin and bear it", har dee har har! Donna, you nailed my sentiment too --- wanting straight teeth NOW!! I'm sure Dr. Tam cringes at that, but it's hard not to want instant gratification - patience is definitely a virtue, especially when it comes to braces!! Thank you both again!