2 Months w/ Braces (Pictures)

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Vulcan
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:18 am
Location: Knoxville TN

2 Months w/ Braces (Pictures)

#1 Post by Vulcan »

So, I've had braces for 2 months now, and I'm glad I got them. I just wanted to share the progress.

I had a Quad Helix appliance in place for 6 months before the braces were put on.

Before Quad Helix, Before Anything Involving Orthodontics:
Image Image

Quad Helix complete, Day 1 Braces:
Image Image

2 Months w/ Braces:
Image Image

Does anyone know what the little metal thing in between the front teeth do on the last picture? The assistant clamped it on there at my adjustment, and I don't know what its purpose is? There is another one between the front bottom teeth also, but you can't see it in the picture.

I must say, it is so weird to see a gap between my front teeth. Going from overlap to gap is so exciting for some reason haha. I also feel like my smile is much wider now since the Quad Helix, and it just overall looks so much nicer. My bite is still off quite a bit, but I'm no where near the end.
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fosterp
Posts: 337
Joined: Sat Dec 05, 2009 2:04 pm
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#2 Post by fosterp »

impressive amount of expansion.

I am wondering, did you notice any changes of your jaw/cheek after use of the appliance, did it make it wider like you would see in people who undergo surgical rapid expansion?

the metal clams I believe are stops to prevent the wire from going one way or another. Actually not sure whats its official purpose is but it has something to with controlling movement.
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hal2me
Posts: 421
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:52 am

#3 Post by hal2me »

Wow! What great progress! You must be so happy!!
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hanzie
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:42 am

#4 Post by hanzie »

looks like ur teeth are moving quickly
Image
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sammywantstraightteeth
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Location: uk
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#5 Post by sammywantstraightteeth »

I'm jealous. My 2 front teeth cross over exactly like yours did. I wish mine were going to be seperated within 2 months!

Sadly my invisalign clincheck shows me lots more movement at the back before anything significant will happen at the front.

Patience is needed. I have none. I want straight teeth now!
Image

Treatment started: 13th July 2010.
http://sammiesbraces.livejournal.com
http://pics.livejournal.com/sammiesbraces
Expected finish: 14th June 2011.
Upper Trays: 21
Lower Trays: 24
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KatieGee
Posts: 54
Joined: Mon May 17, 2010 10:02 am

#6 Post by KatieGee »

Your teeth look like they are done already! lol Congratulations!
Image

Image
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VA5
Posts: 671
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:58 pm

#7 Post by VA5 »

Awesome progress!!! Your palate looks so much wider, very pretty teeth!
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BraceFace2o1o
Posts: 980
Joined: Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:00 pm

#8 Post by BraceFace2o1o »

Wow, what a difference in only 2 months! :D
Braces: Metal fixed upper and lower
Estimated treatment time: 18-24 months
Braces Removed: August 2013 (after 33 months in braces)
Retainers: Upper & lower essix and lower bonded
My Story / Before & After photos

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rooney9995
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:32 pm

#9 Post by rooney9995 »

Whats the difference between a quad helix and a palette expander? When would one used vs the other?
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fosterp
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#10 Post by fosterp »

I think the quad helix is used specifically to increase arch width of the teeth within the current jaw structure, while a palatal expander's primary purpose is to put pressure on the maxilla to separate (assuming patients bones are not yet fused), with the side effect of pushing the teeth outwards as well.

I am sure my description is not technically accurate but I think the main idea is there.
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bottlecap1990
Posts: 110
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 5:34 am
Location: New Jersey

#11 Post by bottlecap1990 »

How long did you have the quad helix for?
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Emmauk
Posts: 167
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2010 8:00 am

#12 Post by Emmauk »

Your teeth look fantastic, the helix has worked wonders.

Have you noticed your gums change on the outside (receed) as the quad helix has pushed them out?

I ask because my arch is very narrow, i can only fit my little finger in it but i am not have SARPE, i havent been told i am having any sort of expander, my OD just said he would use the braces to widen a bit, i think he's restricted with me as i told him i was worried i would run out of gums.

I'll have to ask him when i go in to have my brace fitted.
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roost22
Posts: 116
Joined: Sat Dec 29, 2007 6:19 am
Location: Michigan, Winter Wonderland

#13 Post by roost22 »

the metal thing is called a "stop" so your wire cannot shift to the left or right
lower metal brackets 12/3/2008, upper red,white and blue system12/29/08 , tx 12-16 months Image
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Vulcan
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:18 am
Location: Knoxville TN

#14 Post by Vulcan »

bottlecap1990 wrote:How long did you have the quad helix for?
I had the Quad Helix in place for 6 months before the braces were put on. The Quad Helix was removed when the braces went on. I have heard of people continuing to wear the appliance after the braces are placed up to a year.

Emmauk, I did not notice any receeding gum. The gum did "change" because of the pushing out of the teeth, but it looks way more normal, nothing bad.
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bottlecap1990
Posts: 110
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 5:34 am
Location: New Jersey

#15 Post by bottlecap1990 »

Vulcan wrote:
bottlecap1990 wrote:How long did you have the quad helix for?
I had the Quad Helix in place for 6 months before the braces were put on. The Quad Helix was removed when the braces went on. I have heard of people continuing to wear the appliance after the braces are placed up to a year.

Emmauk, I did not notice any receeding gum. The gum did "change" because of the pushing out of the teeth, but it looks way more normal, nothing bad.

After how many months could you actually see the arch expanding? I have worn my RPE for 2 months and haven't seen significant expansion
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