Two consultations and questions

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#1 Post by **drgnchsr36** » Thu Nov 11, 2010 10:43 pm

I've had two consultations and will probably get braces at the first place. I was glad that overall for the most part, they stated the same thing. I have a severe deep bite. The second place didn't mention the misalignment of my bite on the right side though. They also stated I could try retainers first as a stop gap, but may need braces later. I thought about that, but in reality - it would cost more going down that road. Also, invisalign isn't worth trying with this issue, so my debate on that is finally over.

I'm having a second consult with the first orthodontist and I'm trying to write down all my questions. I keep calling them with questions since I have an appt. to get braces in the new year, so probably having another sit down is a good idea.

Here are my questions so far:

What's the difference between self ligating vs. not? Is one particularly faster than the other?

Will I need a bite plate? (the second consult mentioned that)

Can I choose retainers after braces? Or how does one decide which to get? What are the factors that go in with this?

If I start with ceramics, can I switch to metal if too painful? (ok, this might be stupid... just debating)

Will I get the black triangles? How is that taken care of?

Will braces solve the issue with the clicking with my jaw?

Is the blue glue? necessary when I get my bottom braces on? To keep my bite from coming down completely

Are there other questions that I should be asking? I guess I'm wondering about all the details. I'm nervous about the whole thing.

Thanks.

#2 Post by **rhomboid** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 6:58 am

If you are asking opinions and that is all they are, I think that you choose an Orthodontist that you are most impressed with and ask him/her what would you do and take that recommendation. Don't worry about all of the particulars that you mentioned. Braces aren't that bad and well worth it at least that has been my expperience and I have all metal braces. Best of luck.

#3 Post by **drgnchsr36** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:07 am

Ahh, thanks. I know I'm probably stressing over nothing. I just like to know all the details or as much as possible before beginning this journey.

I keep hearing nightmare stories from my niece about them - she had the same issues as I did .. she's getting her braces off when I get mine on.

#4 Post by **aveggiewriter** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:15 am

Hiya,

You know me, of course. Afraid I can't answer your questions but glad to hear your consultations went well.

Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:39 am

Hi Drgnchsr. I too have a deep bite. For right now, I'm starting with just top braces. My ortho plans to put my bottom braces in January after my bite opens up a bit. If needed, she will put some composite material behind my top teeth to keep me from biting down.

As far as retainers go, I will have to have a permanent one on my bottom teeth and a removable one to wear at night.

I have self-ligating ceramics. I'm not too sure what the difference is in terms of functionality, but I don't have to worry about ligature staining. They are not too painful.

I've only had braces since Monday, so I am learning a lot too! I was sooooo nervous, but so far so good. Good Luck

#6 Post by **drgnchsr36** » Fri Nov 12, 2010 9:44 am

Thanks! I'll let you know how the molds go and such.. I'm a tad confused on how everything is going to be done at one appointment, but I guess that's how they do it.

#7 Post by **drgnchsr36** » Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:43 pm

smilelikeyoumeanit wrote:Hi Drgnchsr. I too have a deep bite. For right now, I'm starting with just top braces. My ortho plans to put my bottom braces in January after my bite opens up a bit. If needed, she will put some composite material behind my top teeth to keep me from biting down.

As far as retainers go, I will have to have a permanent one on my bottom teeth and a removable one to wear at night.

I have self-ligating ceramics. I'm not too sure what the difference is in terms of functionality, but I don't have to worry about ligature staining. They are not too painful.

I've only had braces since Monday, so I am learning a lot too! I was sooooo nervous, but so far so good. Good Luck

Yeah, my ortho mentioned that I would have to wait 4mths or so before I got my bottom braces. Are you doing elastics too? I was told no on the permanent retainer, which I'm fine with.. but probably retainers for life. We'll see how well I can do that.

I'm not sure about the ligating vs. non - but I have a feeling I'm going to have ligatures, since they mentioned they exchange them out about once a month.

#8 Post by **fosterp** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:27 am

i would ask them if they can demonstrate the facial changes that will take place as a result of braces

in correcting a deep bite there will no doubt be some difference in the relationship between your lower jaw and the rest of your face, depending on the method they use to correct the bite

also the issue of needing unscheduled appointments in the case of broken brackets or if you ever have pressing questions that need to be answered, you want to know up front if they will be charging for that

the retention period, what happens in the case of relapse, broken retainers, etc

#9 Post by **drgnchsr36** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 2:12 pm

Good questions. I did ask about how or if it would change my facial features. They stated it wouldn't. I'm still curious how the bite is going to be changed. Thankfully, no extractions. I've heard that can change facial features. I had my wisdom teeth out, but that's about it.

They stated I would go for 2yrs after the braces are off? I don't quite remember. But, I would have to pay for any replacement retainers. I'm hoping to choose retainer types, but not sure how that goes yet.