Metal Mouth Message Board

I am 34 years old and am finally getting my teeth straightened. Upon my surprise, I have been told by two highly recommended and expensive orthodontists that I need my upper palate expanded surgically due to my cross bite. Two other orthos (reasonably priced) say they can do it with Damon self ligating braces, no surgery. I am very confused and really do not want surgery, nor can I afford it. My teeth are not horrible as they are. I just want a full, wider, straighter smile. Anyone else had this dilemma? I want to do this right and only once.

I know how you feel.

I started with a small underbite, upper overcrowding, cross bite on one side and 3mm posterior open bite. My ortho was very keen for me to consider surgery. I was not keen at all! He said he could get me a 90% outcome with braces alone, so that's what I'm doing.

I had several choices of bracket system and went for lingual uppers and ceramic/metal lowers. Fortunately for me, the results to date have been pretty good.

I'd discuss with the highly respected orthos why surgery is essential (in their minds), and what could be achieved without. It may be that the latter option is sufficient for your purposes.

As far as the other orthos are concerned, I'd be asking whether the same outcomes could be achieved with other brackets. Why are they pushing damons? I'm not knocking this bracket system, but remember that it's the ortho's skill that will get you there, not brackets on teeth.

If you're still not satisfied, you can always get a further opinion.

Good luck.