Am I being too much of a worrier?

Message

#1 Post by **metalmander** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:53 am

Hello, everyone. I'm a newbie/professional worrier and I wanted to see what you guys think of my situation:

I am supposed to get x-rays, molds, and top AND bottom braces on the 17th (Monday). Is this strange to get all of this done in one day? I've read that lots of people have all of this spread out over a few weeks or even months...

Also, I was told my treatment would most likely only be a year to 15 months. I've been lurking on this site for weeks now and I have not read of many, if any, cases that only last a year or so. I don't have a crossbite, I have a very slight overbite, I don't need any extractions (and all of my wisdom teeth have already been removed in one (horrible) surgery), and I was told my main problem is just crowding on my 6 upper and lower front teeth. I guess I'm worried that my orthodontist isn't taking all the correct precautions or something. Anyway, I'd appreciate anyone's feedback. Thanks!

#2 Post by **SandraJones** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:04 am

I had my molds, x-rays, and spacers inserted on one day, and the upper and lower braces installed 2 weeks later. You apparently don't need spacers .. or do you have them in already ? You only need them if your orthodontist is putting bands around your teeth, I have bands on all four 1st molars.

I believe the first 4 or so weeks of braces is pretty generic, i.e., not customized. Your orthodontist will likely install a very light archwire to start nudging the teeth into better position. The customized work will occur later. So it doesn't seem odd to me that he/she will not have molds to refer to at the time the braces are installed.

The x-ray images will be available almost immediately after they are taken, so your orthodontist will probably look at them before the braces are installed. If you had your wisdom teeth out already and you have not had any notable dental issues, it shouldn't be a big deal.

#3 Post by **jennielee81** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:39 am

I sympathize with you, I'm a worrier too!

Nothing you described sounds out of the ordinary, maybe a little different, but I don't see where anything sounds wrong. Some orthos drag out the records to bonding stage for months and some get it all started quickly. As for the molds being done at this point, there are folks on here who didn't get molds at all. There doesn't seem to be a lot of issue with your bite so I'll bet the doc doesn't need to study the molds to plan your treatment. Like SandraJones said, the x-rays will be available immediately and are probably enough for your highly skilled ortho to use at this point.

I am concerned about your lack of trust in your ortho. You need to decide if you trust this ortho because if you don't, your treatment will be nothing but worry bait.

What you described above sounds fine to me.

#4 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:22 am

My ortho would have done it all in one day but I had some dental work to take care of before Bday. Your situation sounds normal!

#5 Post by **metalmander** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:50 am

Wow. Thanks for the quick replies, everyone!

I was really just assuming I was getting molds done, because I keep reading about it on this site. But I bet you're right jennielee, I probably don't have an extensive plan so molds are not needed. My consultation appointment was so quick and I guess I just didn't think to ask any more questions than I did (which were very few). Don't worry though, I do trust my ortho and the company he works for, it was all just so fast and easy that I felt like there had to be a catch or that I should somehow be concerned. That's just my pessimistic nature though, I guess.

And Sandra, no I don't have spacers in. I guess I don't need those either if they said I was getting everything on on Monday?

I'm beginning to think that I need to stop worrying and realize I'm lucky to not have to go through some of what I've been reading on this site!

I really appreciate everyone's opinion!

Thanks!

Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:54 am

No worries!

I was scheduled to have mine done all at one time too, but then I got Mono and they had to split it up

It sounds pretty normal (then again... what's "normal" in the ortho field these days anyway

I'm only supposed to have my braces on for a year to 15-17 months depending on how it goes... so no worries my dear!

If you're worried about your ortho not doing all he/she can, are you comfortable enough to talk to him/her about it? I thought the same thing with mine, and after I talked to him about it he was able to explain everything to me in more detail... made me feel better anyway.

Good luck and God Bless you and your journey!

#7 Post by **iBorg** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:18 pm

My ortho will do X-rays and spacers in the same day. Unless your case is difficult (requiring surgery), she normally doesn't have molds taken. I started on a straight forward track. When surgery was discussed, molds were made.

Mike

#8 Post by **TeresaTX** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:54 am

No need to worry...I did the same round (xrays, molds, brace) with the exception of the lowers and thats only because we knew going in that since I'd only need them for 6 months I'd wait until the end. I didn't require spacers/bands either.

#9 Post by **metalmander** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 11:34 am

Again, thanks for the encouragement everyone!

This will be my last weekend braces-free. Monday at 3:45 is the time. As it draws closer, I feel myself growing more anxious and nervous, but excited nonetheless.

I'm gonna try to eat some foods this weekend that I won't get to eat during the time I'll be "braced". Any suggestions?

#10 Post by **TeresaTX** » Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:35 pm

Nacho's, corn on the cob, movie popcorn, almonds, pizza, apples, egg rolls, celery with peanut butter or cream cheese....

To be honest, I've found a way to eat most of that stuff but very rarely...not so much because it hurts too much to eat it rather I didn't want to do ANYTHING to prolong my time in braces. Good luck!