Hi everyone, I'm a new member here but have been a regular reader of the Archwired message board for quite some time. I'm 25 and have ceramic braces. I'm also feeling a bit frustrated at the moment and hoping some of you might be able to help!
When I got my braces on 17 1/2 months ago, my original estimate was 12-18 months. I know this is just a ballpark figure and everyone is different, but my ortho assured me it'd be more like 12 as my case was relatively straightforward. I've been quite patient so far, but for the last few months all that's been happening is my ortho trying to tweak one stubborn tooth on my bottom row which hasn't rotated quite as much as he wants it to. My top teeth are totally done according to him. Finally in my appointment last month he said everything was looking good and all going well I'd be taking retainer impressions next time! Wohoo.
But yesterday he decided TWO of my bottom front teeth still haven't rotated quite enough (there were two that were originally twisted, which are still ever so slightly off). I have no idea why as he said nothing about the other tooth last time. I now have two rotation wedges and weird ties that are irritating my lips, and will need to wait another month for those to work then at least another month after that to bring the teeth forward again as the wedges push them back, and then he said I'm 'pretty much done'. Now I don't even know what that means! Argh!
I'll post pics once I can. Has anyone else having/had any frustrating finishing experiences, especially with bottom teeth? I want them off! :(
Did anyone else's 'final tweaks' take AGES?
Moderator: bbsadmin
Re: Did anyone else's 'final tweaks' take AGES?
I feel you! I just want my braces off now but still have gaps to be closed. I had jaw surgery 3 months ago and I'm waiting for all my gaps to close because it's take ages!!!! My problems are on my top row!
Don't worry they will come off sooner than later. You'd rather have nice PERFECT teeth then teeth that could be improved. Hang on in there!
Don't worry they will come off sooner than later. You'd rather have nice PERFECT teeth then teeth that could be improved. Hang on in there!
Been in braces foreverrrrrrrrrrrrr!!
Re: Did anyone else's 'final tweaks' take AGES?
Thanks, oimysize x. You're definitely right, I DO want them to be perfect, though it sucks being stuck on one - or two teeth - for months on end (especially when they look fine to me)!
How long do you have to go? :)
How long do you have to go? :)
Re: Did anyone else's 'final tweaks' take AGES?
Yes, I've had mine now for 17 months, the original estimate was 18 months maximum but told it would probably be less. Gaps are now closed & I've got box bands to wear from today, then in June brackets on top 2 front teeth will be moved to sort out a slight difference then (fingers crossed) I'm done.
My orthodontist said this can be a frustrating stage as there's no major, obvious changes and we're so close to the end.
My orthodontist said this can be a frustrating stage as there's no major, obvious changes and we're so close to the end.
Re: Did anyone else's 'final tweaks' take AGES?
Thanks Bakey, that's right - when you stop seeing major changes things seem to drag on and on!
It's definitely a funny one, I've read a lot of messages on here from Archwired folks who don't want to get their braces off yet as they feel their teeth aren't perfect, and then there's the group that just want them off now! ; )
It's definitely a funny one, I've read a lot of messages on here from Archwired folks who don't want to get their braces off yet as they feel their teeth aren't perfect, and then there's the group that just want them off now! ; )