Swopping brace type

[Beaniebean]

Hi

Well I first posted on this forum in Feb as I have been having huge problems with my brace, I have suffered chronic headaches and facial pain . Anyway my dentist has now deceided to change my brace from a 6 month smile, fixed brace, to an Inman aligner. I'm not sure why she is doing this, she says it may help with my pain. Any advice would be appreciated. My teeth are not straight at all and I have been told that I have bite issues to boot. Apparently she can't fix my bite, I'm really confused.

Thanks

[TMJJill]

Have you checked into the training your orthodontist has? Are you seeing a an orthodontist trained in Functional Orthodontics? In my opinion, the orthodontist should be addressing your bite issues as well as straightening your teeth.

I have TMJD issues and have found through my research and other chats that many people with TMJ issues had braces on prior which actually made things worse. I'm actually in braces to FIX my bite issues. I really believe the training of the orthodontist is really important with regards to making sure the bite is correct. If you are really uncomfortable with what your orthodontist is advising you with, it might be worth getting another opinion. At the least, I'd ask your current orthodontist why she can't fix her bite. Has she shared with you what your bite issues are?

[Beaniebean]

Hi,

Thanks for replying, my dentist is a cosmetic dentist and I don't think she really is that clued up about bite issues. She told me I had a 'funny' bite and when I tried to push for more info she just told me that I shouldn't worry and that I will always have headaches as I clench my teeth. I feel like she is just stumbling around in the dark and is really only interested in financial gain. I am annoyed with myself that I didn't look into this further but I never initially believed I had bite issues, it is only as my headaches have continued that I have looked into possible causes and I now know that Tmj issues can be the cause. The annoying part of all of this is that I had to ask her if I had bite issues, surely this should have been pointed out to me before the work started. I'm not sure where to go from here to be honest, I have considered going to another dentist but I'm not sure if I should just wait until this brace is off to see what the state of play is. Thanks again for your input, it is apreciated.

[CJP]

Have you checked into the training your orthodontist has? Are you seeing a an orthodontist trained in Functional Orthodontics? In my opinion, the orthodontist should be addressing your bite issues as well as straightening your teeth.

I have TMJD issues and have found through my research and other chats that many people with TMJ issues had braces on prior which actually made things worse. I'm actually in braces to FIX my bite issues. I really believe the training of the orthodontist is really important with regards to making sure the bite is correct. If you are really uncomfortable with what your orthodontist is advising you with, it might be worth getting another opinion. At the least, I'd ask your current orthodontist why she can't fix her bite. Has she shared with you what your bite issues are?

I too am in braces (as an adult) for bite issues. My teeth were (are) healthy, white, and fairly straight. However, I chipped the right front top tooth. After the 3rd repair, the dentist suggested a consultation with an expert orthodontist (specializing in adults and in bite issues, TMJ, etc). The orthodontist confirmed, that indeed, my bite was off center and would continue to chip the same tooth, or worse, if not corrected. And you might find it interesting to note, now that it's been a couple of months (elastics, TAD, and more) while not centered (or even close yet) I haven't hit the top tooth on the lower ones yet! This is definitely a positive move in the right direction.

Although I am not an expert by any means, I am confused by your orthodontist's plan of action. Can you get another (or two) opinions?