Metal Mouth Message Board

I've been in my braces for 3.5 years now (I'm 27). I originally had overcrowding/crossbite/overbite/midline discrepancy. The first ortho I went to for a consultation methodically suggested a Sarpe to correct my narrow upper jaw. The second ortho wanted to hold off and try to correct with just braces and possible extraction. I went with the second ortho and spend over 2 years correcting the crowding and she came to the conclusion that I would need jaw surgery (upper and lower) and two upper molar extractions and a TAD. She suggested extractions because as my teeth were corrected they flared out slightly and if braces were to be taken off, they would relapse and crowd. I met with the oral surgeon and he agreed that was the correct route. I was hesitant but started that process and went for the extractions. I was to wait for the gaps to close and then I was ready for surgery.

Right after my extractions I had to move states and switched orthodontists. I explained that I was going for surgery and just needed my gaps closed. He didn't think I needed surgery and did not agree with the upper molar extractions. Now that the gaps are closing, I can see the crossbite prominently on my right side. He tried shaving my bottom teeth to allow some room and placed a strong arch wire on my upper teeth to try to expand it. He doesn't want to extract teeth but he's stuck considering I already had the uppers extracted.

Yesterday I had an adjustment and he concluded that we will either:

A) Extract a right lower tooth to fix the crossbite.
B) I can live with the crossbite and this would shorten treatment time by 6mo
C) surgery

I've been in these braces for so long I don't want to have to do surgery but at the same time, I want an ideal result. I don't want to do the extraction just because I regret doing the upper extractions.

Any recommendations on what I should do?

http://img708.imageshack.us/i/beforeo.jpg/ (Before Braces 2007)

http://img21.imageshack.us/i/beforeextraction2.jpg/ (Before Extractions)

http://img151.imageshack.us/i/feb2011front.jpg/ (Current)

http://img832.imageshack.us/i/crossbiteside.jpg/ (Right Crossbite)

http://img842.imageshack.us/i/crossbiteleft.jpg/ (Left)

http://img525.imageshack.us/i/crossbite.jpg/ (Crossbite)

Personally, I think you shouldn't follow through with ANOTHER extractions. I've read alot of articles on extractions, and nothing seems to be beneficial in the long term. Try to read on articles by William Hang. The Dr, William Hang, suggests that removal of teeth is damaging in the long term, and it does not consider the skeletal support that is necessary. It only considers the "functional" aspect of teeth. I'm NOT an expert and do not have sufficient experience or knowledge to advise you and asks you to trust me, but I suggest you google some FUNCTIONAL ORTHODONTIST around your area, and approach those experts.

They are more likely to avoid extractions, and they have several appliances and tools that could solve your condition without any damaging surgery or extractions. ALL THE BEST C:!

I am not a professional so please be sure to consider that when making your own decision, but my suggestion is to not leave things as they are. That crossbite looks as though it would damage the affected teeth in no time. A few of your front teeth hit each other where they aren't intended to and I can imagine that that would cause trauma and wear them down over time.

A few people on here used expanders without going through SARPE and they seem to have had some success...I wonder if that would be an option for you? Personally, I understand not wanting extractions...I'm trying desperately to avoid them right now myself...however you have only partially completed the treatment plan that involves the extractions. If you extract the upper without the lower (which is the wider arch already) there is no way it will complete what it was intended to. I don't think it's the upper extractions that are a problem, I think it is that your particular treatment plan was designed in a way that is dependent on certain teeth being in certain positions. This can't be done with extractions only half completed.

My own suggestion would be to go with the second extractions since the first were already done but, again, I am not an expert.

Good luck with your decision! I KNOW these decisions are very tough!!!!

Thanks Lilone, I appreciate the reply. I was also worried about the wear of my teeth if I left it without extracting. I will talk to the ortho about trying an expander without surgery too. Thanks!

Thanks leolemuellau-I will check out your suggestions. All articles I read advise against extractions...ughhh tough decisions!

leolemuellau wrote:Personally, I think you shouldn't follow through with ANOTHER extractions. I've read alot of articles on extractions, and nothing seems to be beneficial in the long term. Try to read on articles by William Hang. The Dr, William Hang, suggests that removal of teeth is damaging in the long term, and it does not consider the skeletal support that is necessary. It only considers the "functional" aspect of teeth. I'm NOT an expert and do not have sufficient experience or knowledge to advise you and asks you to trust me, but I suggest you google some FUNCTIONAL ORTHODONTIST around your area, and approach those experts.

They are more likely to avoid extractions, and they have several appliances and tools that could solve your condition without any damaging surgery or extractions. ALL THE BEST C:!

Extractions are ideal in some cases.