Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

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TnC
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 11:05 am
Location: Texas

Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#1 Post by TnC »

I'm scheduled to get braces August 5th but I'm a little confused. I went in for my initial consultation (pictures, x-rays and meeting the ortho) and afterwards they scheduled me to get my braces on Aug. 5th. Is it normal for you to get the molds of your teeth done the same day you get braces?

Also, after the ortho inspected my teeth he didn't say anything about spacers. I take it everyone doesn't require spacers?

Thanks in advance. I've already learned a lot from this board!

BTW, I'm 27 years old...first time in braces (obviously).

Plumcore
Posts: 226
Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2010 11:08 am
Location: Romania

Re: Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#2 Post by Plumcore »

No, not everyone requires spacers. Spacers are generally placed in when there isn't enough room for the molar bands, crowding does that.

As for the molds, i had mine done a session before, so i really can't tell you.
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houseofcash
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun May 29, 2011 3:12 pm
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Re: Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#3 Post by houseofcash »

Yes Spacers must be worn for atleast a week before they can put on the bands around your molars. it took them almost 3 weeks to fully but on my braces. first visit was brackets glued on and spacers added, i think i had 7 of them. second visit was more spacers added. and my third visit was spacers removed and bands put on my molars and wires added and tightened.

for the first month be prepared to be on soft food, and your mouth to be all cut up inside. but trust me after a month you get use to it and your mouth will toughen up to all the metal in your mouth. as for molds the same day i have never heard of that. i got my molds done on my consult visit, and then he made a before and after mold to show me on my next visit.

Good luck with your venture on your braces. its really is a life changing experience!

HouseofCash

Hopefulsmile84
Posts: 14
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:23 pm
Location: Philly, pa

Re: Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#4 Post by Hopefulsmile84 »

Welcome, and wonderful to see another 27 year old on this board!

Just got my top braces about 2 weeks ago. I won't be getting bottom braces till my one tooth moves into place on the top.

All orthodontist tend to do things differently as far as progression of things. I got my molds, xrays and spacers all in one visit. After I came back for my first two bands on the top I had to go get 4 premolars pulled before continuing from there. That whole process took almost a month and half due to consultations and dealing with work obligations and such. Spacers are reserved for making room for bands, not every orthodontist uses bands so if they aren't using them or you don't have bad crowding they may not have too. If they are already scheduling you for braces I would assume either they are using all brackets or it appears to them they will have no problem getting bands in.

Just my assumption of course I don't know what your orthodontist's plan is, best bet is to ask.

LoveOrtho
Posts: 82
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2011 2:55 pm
Location: ♥ Canada ♥

Re: Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#5 Post by LoveOrtho »

Hi TnC,

I got all my records on the same day as I was getting my braces... As for spacers, I didn't get any because I don't have any bands.
I hope that helps,

LoveOrtho
Braced since September 25th 2009!
Deband date: February 7th 2012
Getting retainer: February 9th 2012
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TnC
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2011 11:05 am
Location: Texas

Re: Molds, spacers? I'm new to this

#6 Post by TnC »

Thanks everyone! I am really excited to get this process started but I'm also really nervous about it. If I can work up the nerve, I'll take (and post) some before and after pics. I'm really self conscious about my teeth right now but I know I'll be extremely proud of them in 18-24 months.

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