Almost done, what do you think? Pics inside.

[thisgal201]

So, I had my potential final check today. Ortho is very pleased with how things look. I have some small space on the side of my mouth, he said if I am fine with it, I could get the braces off next visit. He said he isn't certain it will totally close because of the way my teeth are shaped. He mentioned something about a coil and bonding to achieve the best possible result. He said it would add an additional 4-6 weeks to my treatment and around 300 bucks. I felt like he was nudging toward that, but it is essentially up to me. I am pretty happy with how my smile looks, while I know it is not Hollywood perfect. My midline is slightly off but my bite feels great. Do you think you'd get them off or try to get them more perfect? Sorry for the variation in the pictures.

[Norrie]

I'm certainly not an expert, but I think that they look great, and if you're comfortable with them, go for it. Either way, your teeth look awesome!

[Lorianne]

So, I had my potential final check today. Ortho is very pleased with how things look. I have some small space on the side of my mouth, he said if I am fine with it, I could get the braces off next visit. He said he isn't certain it will totally close because of the way my teeth are shaped. He mentioned something about a coil and bonding to achieve the best possible result. He said it would add an additional 4-6 weeks to my treatment and around 300 bucks. I felt like he was nudging toward that, but it is essentially up to me. I am pretty happy with how my smile looks, while I know it is not Hollywood perfect. My midline is slightly off but my bite feels great. Do you think you'd get them off or try to get them more perfect? Sorry for the variation in the pictures.

they really do look great and you have such a pretty smile, BUT, I'm wondering why, for just a short 4-6 weeks time, you wouldn't go for perfection? that space is nothing to close I bet and your midline is slightly off. why not fix it if you can? then, you're good to go for the rest of your life!

I love your "after" lips! such a nice shape! good work! If you end up doing nothing more, you look really good, but I, personally, would just bite the bullet and go for the gold! I wonder why the extra dollars too? that's weird. I would think you contracted for a certain end result and your ortho should get you there. oh well, guess everybody's different.

[thisgal201]

Thanks to both of you!

Lorianne - My midline isn't really going to change. I guess with the way things are, if he tries it may throw other alignment and things out of wack. I think he was talking about the space on the side if it does not close. The 300 would be for some bonding he would do, I guess that would not be a regular part of treatment? I'm not sure. I can't remember what he said about the coil, I think he said it would move teeth over and out or something? The way my teeth are shaped and proportioned, it won't ever be 100% perfect. I guess I am just hesitant because if it doesn't end up looking perfect anyway, why pay extra money and spend more time when I am quite happy with my smile. I understand what you are saying though...maybe the space will close and I won't have to think about what to do lol

[Matilda]

I agree with Lorianne. I think your teeth look great but if I were you, I'd try to get them more perfect.

[Gypsyphd]

Hi, I actually just got braced for a similar space on my left side. It has caused me awful pain and I constantly grind and wear down my teeth because of it. I think the ortho is going to use elastics at some point, but I am not certain as I have only been in them for less than a week. Do you push that area with your tongue? I was a thruster as a young child. If I were you, I would have him fix it if possible. I think closing spaces in your teeth is important. If it will only take one or two months, I say go for it. Best of luck!

[thisgal201]

Nope, that isn't from my tongue. My tooth is narrowly shaped. I think that is why he is mentioning bonding at the extra cost. I don't think what he is proposing guarantees that it will be perfect, it just gives more of a chance that it can be improved, but still not 100%. I have a little time to see if it moves before I make a choice. As of right now, my debanding date is already in place if I want it.

[Lorianne]

Thanks to both of you!

Lorianne - My midline isn't really going to change. I guess with the way things are, if he tries it may throw other alignment and things out of wack. I think he was talking about the space on the side if it does not close. The 300 would be for some bonding he would do, I guess that would not be a regular part of treatment? I'm not sure. I can't remember what he said about the coil, I think he said it would move teeth over and out or something? The way my teeth are shaped and proportioned, it won't ever be 100% perfect. I guess I am just hesitant because if it doesn't end up looking perfect anyway, why pay extra money and spend more time when I am quite happy with my smile. I understand what you are saying though...maybe the space will close and I won't have to think about what to do lol

oh, right, don't want things going all wacky at this point SPAM SPAM SPAMMING, that's for sure. And right, it makes sense about the extra cost for bonding. That's typically not part of the orthodontist's deal.

You have a really pretty smile (and lips!) and so definitely do what makes the most sense to you. Hey, perfection is overrated! I already know I won't have a perfect result in the end, but, I'm hoping it'll be ALOT better than now.

[Snowglobe32]

I think your teeth look beautiful!

If you spend additional time, is it really going to take only 4-6 weeks? What happens if other teeth go out of whack? That will add additional time...do you really want to do that?
(for the commentor that said something like, why not take another 4-6 weeks...well, in my case, those 4-6 weeks turned into months! )

If a simple thing like bonding can fix the spaces and you are happy with everything else, take them off! From what I can see in the photos, it looks like it is just the shape of the teeth so to me, bonding might be best.

Plus, once the brackets, wires and elastics are off, your teeth are going to look even better than they do now! And I am sure your ortho will shape them up a bit, mine did and I was amazed!

[thisgal201]

Thanks everyone

Snowglobe - I had the same thoughts that you posted. Other that the small space that is currently there, I have no other hang ups about my teeth. I think the ortho has done a really great job and he is even a little surprised that he was able to get my teeth to this point. At every adjustment, he never fails to mention how far I have come and tells his assistants they need to see my before pictures. I always feel like I must have looked like a monster when I first came in LOL

[MrsCharisma]

Your teeth look FANTASTIC and your smile, amazing! I am seriously in awe. You got great results!

[SunshineRay]

I agree, great results! I would go with the bonding.

[thisgal201]

Thank you!!

[NW2]

Well… I'm dying to know what you decided to do!

[Lorianne]

me too!