Metal Mouth Message Board

So, far my teeth have been moving really really fast (It's been 6 months now). My bottom teeth are almost completely aligned. During my last appointment, the orthodontist had to remove and reposition a bracket on one of my lateral incisors. Both the top lateral incisors were set far back prior to braces which made it hard to center the bracket on one of them until it was pulled far enough forward. I am a bit concerned that this hasn't helped much. I was actually more concerned with my bottom front teeth being pulled forward as they seemed to be more crowded than the top but that isn't the case. I know there's been a big debate on palatal expanders for adults. But, I've read that it doesn't really expand the palate in adults but more so pushes the teeth outward. My orthodontist hasn't said anything about any concerns with how they're moving or if there's any difficulty. I would hate to have any teeth removed because the top teeth won't align considering how well my bottom teeth have aligned. I guess my question is should I bring it up to my orthodontist if an expander could be used just to push my front teeth outward to give that little bit of room needed?

Wouldn't hurt to ask! But in the ordinary treatment for mild-to-moderate crowding, the archwire itself usually achieves all the outward movement that's needed.

These are all questions for your ortho, who knows what is in store for your particular treatment plan. If your ortho doesn't have time for your questions during this appointment, ask to have a block of time added to your next appointment to just talk. (Or, alternatively line up a time to talk with your ortho over the phone. Many orthos have some "slack time" after the morning rush where they do paperwork, etc.)

I would be in the severe overcrowded category. The first 6 months my teeth have moved super fast. I thought the bottom was worse but they're almost completely aligned. My top would be close if it wasn't for that one lateral incisor that I had the bracket repositioned. She did mention at my consultation that I may need to have teeth removed but at my first official appointment when I had the top braces put on she said I may not need to have any removed. There's such a small amount of space that that one tooth would need to push all the way forward. I guess I'll just have to wait until my next appointment and see what the next step is. I know this is a question for my orthodontist. That's why I asked if I should bring it up to her if there is a possibility that an expander could be used to push teeth on that side slightly out to make room.

I would simply question the orthodontist

Well, so far, it looks like I won't need an expander or teeth pulled! I've been wearing my elastics diligently and I have more than enough space for my teeth! So happy I don't have to lose any teeth or wear a painful expander. I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled 21 yrs ago so I had the room for movement. 16 months into braces and my teeth are almost completely straight. I may look into some dental bonding for a couple teeth in the top front that were worn down at an angle due to the crooked position they were in. But, I'm not complaining. They look so much better than before braces. Money well spent so far

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!