They look like closing loops...used to close up gaps.
Spacers: 1/26/05; 2/6/06; 3/15/06; 4/24/06
4 First Bicuspids removed: 2/2005
Metal Braces, top and bottom: 3/1/05; Debanded 7/26/07
Hawley retainers top and bottom
I've seen loops like that used to intrude the incisors. One of my daughters had them for that reason. When I look at the way the archwire is bent downwards in front of your canine, it appears this may be the case.
I'm only speculating, one of the docs will have a better idea.
wow, I'm confused...why intrude the incisors? (these are the second teeth, right?)
pushing the canines inward would be just perfect
but I guess I really don't have a good grasp of how all this works
Those are closing loops! I have them too! Everytime you go to ortho they will most likely activate them by tightening the wire with a special tool that loops the wire at the ends and gets the wire quite tight. They close up gaps really fast, also seem to be pulling my overbite back really fast as well, but apparently do lots of other good things too so I am told by my orthodontist. I'm betting they work wonders on your canine as well! It 's really not alot of fun when they activate the loop but it's well worth it because they seem to be so strong!
full metal braces 4/26/05~~debanded 12/13/07!
12/13/07 bonded retainers + wrap around hawley
Oh lucky you if yours are on short term! Yes, your teeth do hurt with these wires but you're right it's a good thing since it means that somethings moving! Obviously your dr. expects fast results if it's just until your next appt which is very exciting! If yours is anything like mine you'll see alot of change in a few weeks!
full metal braces 4/26/05~~debanded 12/13/07!
12/13/07 bonded retainers + wrap around hawley
I m really looking forward to that . halleluja! hehe
talking about fast movement and such --I don't know if you can see it well in the pics, but I also got this spring on the bottom left side...It's AMAZING! --in 24 hours it opened up a wide gap between my bottom incisor and my bottom rotated canine!! I'm in awe!
sorry for the thread hijack, but this totally reminds me of a Gilligan’s Island episode. Anyone remember when Gilligan's mouth becomes a radio after he is accidentally hit on the head? When the regular radio is broken, Gilligan becomes the sole source of information about an approaching typhoon. The castaways make him hold his head in different positions to get better reception.
/end hijack
And shpawn, they look cool, whatever they are!
Top Ceramic Braces: July 2004 - Self-Eruption of an Impacted Upper Right Canine
Bottom Metal Braces: December 2005 - Crowding
Debanded: December 2006 The story