Metal Mouth Message Board

During my adjustment on 04/26/2010 I made my final appointments. I was told removal of my braces will be on 07/19/2010 if everything goes according to plan. I will get my retainer on 07/20/2010. I am not sure I did the right thing going through with this whole process. I don't think I am happy with my results and I think I should have left well enough alone. My teeth were pretty straight, but my bite was an issue. My bite was "edge to edge" class III. During treatment I had a lower central incisor removed (tooth 24). I now have to black triangles in my lower anterior. Previously no black triangles existed. I am happy with the top teeth, except that tooth 9 sticks out a little more than 8 (two front teeth). Tooth 29 and 20 (bicuspid teeth) still move/wiggle a little when I bite down. Tooth 27 and 22 (lower eye teeth/canine) are not in the same position. I would also like to see tooth 27, 26, 25, 23, and 22 the same height, but I am not sure I should ask my orthodontist. If it isn't possible he may think I am a pain. I have a few bite concerns as well. Anyway... I really am struggling with this. I think so far my teeth look terrible. I have recent pics posted on my blog. Here is the link:

http://nygbracesjourney.blogspot.com/

I want to know am I overreacting? Thanks for reading my rant.

I think your teeth look great! Honestly nobody will look at your teeth as carefully as you do. When you smile people will admire your straight teeth not unevenness in some areas. Also if you strive for perfection might as well get dentures because having overly perfect teeth looks fake. Your teeth make you look like you, also your teeth look great I don't think you have anything to worry about.

I looked at the pictures before I read the post and I didn't even notice the black triangles until I read that part. I agree we mostly pay more attention to the things that others will not even notice. Maybe a little bonding could lessen the appearance of the triangles.

some lower ipr on the lateral incisors can reduce the black triangles and give more symmetry to the size of the incisors.

Ask your docs about some polishing to even out the edges of the lower anteriors. I vey well may be part of the plan (I do most of this at debanding)

The mobility of the bicuspids is likely normal.

I agree with DR. Rick, lower slenderizing will help reduce the black triangles. Check with your docs asap to let them know your concerns as I am sure they want you to be 100% happy. Good luck

IMHO, I think your teeth look great. I also had black triangles on the lower anteriors (uppers too)...some IPR did wonders. I'll also need some polishing to even out some teeth...it's done all the time.

Honestly, did you ever see someone with a nice smile and think: "Great smile, too bad he/she has .5mm black triangles on their lower anterior teeth"?? U-u-u-h-h-h, NO! LOL.

Congrats on nearing the end of your journey!

Thanks to everyone for their input. It is very helpful and encouraging.

They look really great! You must be a perfectionist! I didn't even notice the triangle. Went back to the pics to take another look and had to study it closely just to be sure there actually was a triangle (still a bit unsure).

Your teeth look good. I can relate to being too critical. I ran through your blog, but couldn't find an explanation for why your bottom tooth had to be removed. Perhaps some bonding can fill in the bottom teeth some? I think with the tooth extraction, your teeth came together as nicely as they could have. Perhaps some "smoke and mirrors" will get them to look as you want them too.

They removed the tooth because of my edge to edge bite. He wanted to create narrow the lower arch to eliminate it. I could have had surgery, but I didn't want to go through that.

Made an error above ^
They removed the tooth because of my edge to edge bite. He wanted to narrow the lower arch to eliminate it. I could have had surgery, but I didn't want to go through that.