Diastema

Message

#1 Post by **posum** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:25 pm

Doctors pls help...I'm thinking about getting braces to close the gap between my two front teeth. Does orthodontic treatment really work? What are the chances of a relapse? I dont want to go through 1 1/2 yrs of treatment and pay an exorbitant amount of money, to have the end result be worse than it is. Are there any problems that I may encounter along the way? I'm very afraid that I might get gum recession or root resportion. What are the chances that my teeth will fall out? Any insight would be very much appreciated.

#2 Post by **dr.j** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 3:58 pm

Does orthodontics really work?

Yeah. Duh!

We would not have lasted 150 years as a profession if teeth could not move. They do. Everyday

What is my chance for relapse?

1-100%. If not retained some type of rebound will occur. There is no way to measure how much relapse will have. Retainers help here.

The chances of resorption and "teeth falling out " (are you kidding) are not high.

You'll be fine. Go get treatment or at least a consult. And take try not to be so worried about something so fun!

#3 Post by **posum** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 6:53 am

Sorry Dr. J, didnt mean to offend. I guess what i meant was that most orthodontic cases i've come across are for crowding but i havent seen that many regarding diastema. i just wanted to be sure that if im going to go forward w/ treatment, that my main concern will be resolved.
i asked about the root resorption because i know it can be an unfortunate side effect. as for the teeth falling out issue, i have a little bit of gum recession on one side and am worried that it might pose a problem during treatment.
ive already gone to my dentist for a consultation. he specializes in cosmetic and implants but is certified and has been doing orthodontic work for a long time. im torn because i dont know if i should pursue treatment with an actual orthodontist when im comfortable and trust my current dentist. any advice.

#4 Post by **bbsadmin** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:51 am

IMO, you should get at least one consultation with an orthodontist before proceeding.

Some dentists who "do orthodontics" can do a good job for you, and others cannot (they just think they can). A trained orthodontist has had extra years of dental schooling for correcting problems specifically like the one you describe.

#5 Post by **Dr. Randall** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:42 am

Thanks Lynn, I couldn't have said that better myself. It never hurts to have a specialist look at it to give an opinion.

Randall

#6 Post by **posum** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:57 pm

Dr. Randall wrote:Thanks Lynn, I couldn't have said that better myself. It never hurts to have a specialist look at it to give an opinion.

Randall

I'm definitely gonna go see an actual orthodontist but wanted to know what the opinion was for going to a regular dentist for the treatment.
I read somewhere else on this message board that if your upper front teeth flex back and forth when you bite down, thats a sign of fremitus. if i have that, is there a point in getting treatment for the diastema?

#7 Post by **Dr. Randall** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:45 pm

Yes because you can move the teeth to close the space and eliminate the cause of the fremitus (which is the bite at the front of the mouth).

Randall

#8 Post by **posum** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:48 pm

Dr. Randall wrote:Yes because you can move the teeth to close the space and eliminate the cause of the fremitus (which is the bite at the front of the mouth).

Randall

Can you recommend any good orthodontists in NYC?

#9 Post by **Dr. Randall** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:51 pm

sorry, I can't. Ask around and see who others go to.

Randall

#10 Post by **samantha_lou** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:46 pm

bbsadmin wrote:IMO, you should get at least one consultation with an orthodontist before proceeding.

Some dentists who "do orthodontics" can do a good job for you, and others cannot (they just think they can). A trained orthodontist has had extra years of dental schooling for correcting problems specifically like the one you describe.

Lynn, I couldn't agree more! My previous ortho back in the UK was just a general who dabbled in ortho...sure he sorted out my front teeth that were sticking out like a rabbit, and closed up the gap - but my current ortho was less than impressed with his efforts with the concave shape in my top arch.

I'm pleased to say that my current ortho is a dedicated specialist - he started as a regular dentist, but unenchanted with this, he decided to spend a couple more years at school and take on a speciality. My current ortho is more concerned with functionality of my bite and getting me a larger and better alligned arch of teeth - the cosmetic stuff and the way my smile looks is the second priority of my treatment.