Metal Mouth Message Board

hey, so im getting my bottom tray fitted next week, but dont get my top tray until 14 weeks later.

the problem is, it is my top teeth that I have the problem with - specifically my upper right peg

(see http://all-thanks-to-baby.blogspot.com/ ... re_12.html for details and photos)

it has been 8 months now since it happened, and the idea of almost another 4 months with it where it is, and the dull ache, and constant dodging of baby's head ... well, I just dont know what to do

I rang my ortho this morning and asked if it would be possible to start both trays at the same time, but he said no because the bottom teeth need to be in the correct position before starting the top tray,

BUT he said that i could have the two teeth out, and then i can have my first top tray to use as a retainer AT NIGHT until it is time for the 2nd top tray to start ...

so ... should i have them out and have to wear the tray (at night) for 16 weeks but have to put up with gaps in the day ??

OR wear the top tray round the clock for 16 weeks..??

will the tray discolour or distort in this amount of time..?

or should i just put up with the tooth and the pain..?

opinions would be greatly appreciated as I dont know anyone else who is currently having orthodontic treatment so would know what I am going through.

thanks

If your rogue upper teeth are causing you too much pain (and only you know how painful it is) I would say go for the removal/retainer phase. If you can tolerate the pain though I would say go for whatever the ortho says is best - afterall he should be working for the best overall outcome, and that is what is important.

If you chose the 'retainer' option, if you keep to a good cleaning regime then the upper tray should not discolour. I've read blogs/posts on here where people have worn a single tray as a 'retainer' at the end of treatment while they are waiting for the other arch to finish and not had problems. I use Steradent every few days and brush my aligners with toothpaste once a day, keeps them clean and fresh for 2 weeks, can't see why it wouldn't continue to work beyond that.

I've been wearing invisalign for 5 weeks now. I spend about 90 minutes to 2 hours a day eating or cleaning/flossing my teeth or cleaning the aligners. This is a long time and interfers with life a bit - but I'm not sure the impact is much different from traditional braces.

Hope this helps you decide.

Thanks so much for your reply

Turns out the decision was made for me! Or at least helped along... The baby headbittrd it again this morning so I just thought 'right that's it. They're coming out!!!'

I dropped into the dentist and made an appointment ... Monday at 2pm

Now I'm scared

Thanks again

Don't be scared, I'm sure it won't be as bad as you can imagine it. Think of that lovely smile you'll have when this is all over.