Metal Mouth Message Board

My concerns that I discussed in this last post were valid. Here is a link to it: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... 13&t=44668

My orthodontist added hooks to the brackets on my lower canines and I am supposed to use Class III elastics. My next adjustment is in 4 weeks. He noticed that my gap in my upper teeth opens up when I bite, or clench my teeth. I have a habit of resting my chin in the palm when I'm sitting at my desk trying to concentrate, which puts pressure on my teeth. So, I'm glad that he pushed the date back because I didn't spend all this time and money to end up with a less-than-desirable result. However, I need to talk to my dentist about some gum recession that my orthodontist pointed out when I mentioned that I still had a small space between my upper teeth. I just had my teeth cleaned 2 weeks ago, so this is news to me.

I hope this puts your mind at ease!

So I had a similar situation... my orthodontist said my teeth are done but due to previous relapses (where my teeth move noticibly after one week of no class II elastics), she wants my teeth to stay put for at least another month using elastics only part time to try to get my teeth to stay in place.

You have come so far and spent so much time and money into this, gotta get it right! Certainly dont want the teeth trying to relapse from day 1.

I am relieved about the braces. But, now I'm concerned about my gums. My dentist's assistant gave me the information for a periodontist that they refer patients to. She initially said that my teeth looked great at my appointment 2 weeks ago and that she doubts that I have any reason for concern. But, it's better to be safe than sorry. My periodontist appointment is on June 24th and the initial cost for a consult is $80. I'm thinking of waiting until I find a job so that I can pay for this through a flexible spending account. I've been unemployed in the health insurance industry for almost 8 months and this isn't in the budget.

Can you share a picture of the gum recession? I had some gum recession a few years ago. Under a certain amount of recession they don't really do anything but I had one tooth that was dangerously exposed. It cost about $500 per tooth covered but I definitely reccomend going to a well trained specialist. I went to a general dentist first time around and he did a hack job. Then went to a specialist and he was totally confused about what the first guy was trying to do. The specialist did an amazing job and a technique where the "donor" tissue from the roof of my mouth was stitched back up and not a bother at all.