Metal Mouth Message Board

I've had my ceramic braces for just over two months, and I keep losing the ligs on the bottom set of teeth, especially where I chew. The top teeth and front bottom teeth don't seem to be a problem, but none of the teeth at the bottom either side have got any ligs left on them!!! They seem to come off as quickly as they are replaced. To be honest, I don't think I am eating anything I shouldn't and, short of a liquid diet for the next 20 months, I don't know quite what to do?

The wire is still in place, and the ortho is double banding my twisted canine (which was the first one I lost the lig from in the first place). I haven't been back to have them replaced.

Could anyone tell me - because the wires are still in place, will this impact on my treatment time? Are my teeth being adversely affected by not having ligatures on the brackets?

From my experience I do believe the ligs play a crucial part of the braces. Without them the wire won't be tight and could effect the treatment being taken right now. Don't quote me on it I could be wrong.

You need to get in and have them replaced--call today. The ligature is what keeps the wire fully engaged in the bracket. Without it there, the wire is not working to full potential (if at all). Tell the ortho you keep losing ligs. They can always put a wire tie on the bracket. Those things stay no matter what.

I'm trying to picture how hard you have to chew, or brush, to dislodge a lig. I have clear ones on my clear brackets, and I don't think I'd even know if one was missing. I guess I should look at my teeth closer.

catgyrl wrote:I'm trying to picture how hard you have to chew, or brush, to dislodge a lig. I have clear ones on my clear brackets, and I don't think I'd even know if one was missing. I guess I should look at my teeth closer.

Yeh, I didn't even realise I'd lost the first one till I noticed the wire was popped out!! I'm wondering if it is my electric toothbrush that is doing it.....

Thanks for the advice guys - much appreciated

You know something - it just might be your electronic toothbrush. Sometimes I get laxy and just brush the whole tooth at once, instead of angling the brush at a 45 degree angle above and below the wire. You might want to try that - it's also what I do when my teeth are super sore from an adjustment. That way, the wire and bracket aren't vibrating as much.

Good luck to you!!
-Cathy