Do I require all my molars ?

[curious wolf]

I am 37 years old and I am going through hell right now. I have suffered since the age of 12 with a worsening case of TMJ. I have been poked, prodded and annoyed, bought mouth guard after mouth guard plus all the medications I've tried. I am now at my wits end and I am running out of time. I am trying to source out an oral surgeon somewhere within 4 hours of my location and I keep dead ending. My parents are getting worried because it is affecting my quality of life and has me irritable. My question is. When it comes to braces and the application for them, is it required to have all your molars for the molar bands and buccal tubes? I had my upper left one removed along with my wisdom teeth, and thought it might be a good thing to know. I have wanted braces all my life having lived with crooked and crowded teeth, plus my lower jaw is not the same width as my upper so I am left with a very uneven bite. Any feedback from the group would be greatly appreciated.

[Jensniffer]

Not everyone requires molar bands, I only have them on my very last molars as I have a crown and large fillings and the brackets themselves would not adhere to my teeth on those teeth because of them. Lots of people have different teeth missing for various reasons, it does not exclude you from braces

[curious wolf]

Thank you for your response Jensniffer. I wanted to make sure of that just in case I was going to need headgear. It is refreshing to find a group where I can feel normal with questions I may have on the topic of having braces. I think first I am looking at going for surgery to repair the damage done over the years. So if there is any chance we can THIS IS SPAM REPORT TO ADMIN THIS IS SPAM REPORT TO ADMIN THIS IS SPAM REPORT TO ADMIN THIS IS SPAM REPORT TO ADMIN back and forth, that would be great.

Thank you again Jensniffer

[dojo]

I lost one molar 10 years ago and 3 more to make 'room' for my teeth. Was able to wear Herbst for more than one year with no problems. Your orthodontist will know how to 'connect' to what's there, so you shouldn't worry. Best of luck with your search for a good surgeon. Keep us posted and welcome to the community.