An orthodontic disaster this morning

[kmcfan]

I got clear ceramic braces 4 weeks ago. My first adjustment is next week, but yesterday I went in to get my clear ligatures changed because they were severely stained and I have an interview for a dream job this Tuesday morning. Anyway, the assistant who was changing my ligatures said he will put on smaller ligatures this time.

While I was getting them changed, a bracket popped off. The doctor came in and glued on a new bracket right next to the the farthest molar. Anyway, as I was brushing my teeth this morning the band on the last molar popped off, taking the newly-set bracket AND the one next to it as well along with it.

I tried taking the ligature off the popped-off bracket so I could put it on the last molar so I could hold my archwire in place until Tuesday afternoon (office closed on Monday). However, I was not successful. Now I don't have an archwire on <b>3</b> teeth,

The archwire was completely loose and I felt no choice but to cut it off completely at the next bracket.

I got a hold of the doctor via the emergency number, but the earliest he can see me is Tuesday. He said as long as I'm not in pain it'll be okay. I'll be fine with extending my treatment time, but I'm a huge worrier and this really has me worried.

I'm kind of angry about this. I feel no force on my top teeth anymore. Ugh.

[Prometheus]

No reason at all to worry if the wire is not poking you. Broken brackets are just part of the process, it happens to most everyone. It happened to me three weeks ago, a newly placed bracket broke off my 2nd molar which is a crown. Apparently a common problem with crowns. I went back in and they decided to use a band instead which meant spacers and another week's delay. The doc was completely serene about it, says it happens all the time, so don't worry, you will be fine.

[millersgirl]

I'm sorry friend, but that is hardly a disaster. Sorry your bracket popped off though.

[SmileSooner]

Relax - its only going to get better. No worries. Stuff happens - especially at the beginning. Occasionally a brace will pop off seemingly for no reason. There may have been some moisture contamination when the brace was originally glued on. Or too much pressure in eating may have produced little cracks in the glue.

All these things are most likely right at the beginning.

And above all... you and your teeth feel changes in pressure - not pressure itself. Your teeth are moving even though you don't feel so much pressure. Steady pressure is the way nature and braces move your teeth. You feel changes in pressure - not so much pressure itself.

It sounds like you are in good hands.

Disclaimer - I'm an orthodontist, but I'm not YOUR orthodontist - if you're my patient we should be talking in person to figure stuff out. I'm giving people the best advice I can based on the information I'm given in posts. I have over twenty five years of experience - two children of my own - and treated my son with braces. My daughter thinks her smile is gorgeous enough! There are many, many wonderful orthodontists out there, doing excellent work. And we all do things somewhat differently based on our education and experiences. I want to support everyone in any of my posts - dentists, orthodontists, patients and parents. I'm here to learn and teach to the best of my abilities. The situation that I am commenting on may NOT include details that would change my opinion and post. So I can only give you my opinion - and bottom line? Always speak to your orthodontist sincerely about questions you might have. Cheers!