Closing Wire -- What does it do?

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#1 Post by **ellebee** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:04 pm

Hello everyone, it has been a while since I stopped by. Computer problems at home and moving house kept me offline for a while. I passed the one year mark on Nov. 1 and the end still isn't quite in sight.

My lower laterals remain stubborn (or my Orthodontist lacks the requisite skill) but yesterday they were chained back and there seems to be space if they would just move into it!

In 3 weeks he said we'd put bends in the wire and that should bring them into line (fingers crossed). Then in 6 weeks he said I'd be getting a closing wire.

Which brings me to my question -- what is a closing wire? And how long can I expect to wear it? I should know, because I have had one on top for several months. Its purpose seems to be to hold my upper arch steady and to provide hooks to attach my elastics to.

That said, a closing wire on my bottom arch would have a different purpose, no? I don't have any gaps to close. My bite is good now, my midline is almost where it needs to be and 6 more weeks of wearing one elastic should be more than enough to center it.

OK, I know I should ask my Ortho these questions and I will at my next visit, but his answers seem to change from visit to visit, especially with regard to how much longer he thinks the process will take. He always implies that I am nearly done, and after hearing that for months it is hard to have faith.

Anyway, happy holidays and if anyone can clue me in, that would be great. I will try to post some pictures tonight too.

Regards,

Elle

#2 Post by **ellebee** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:46 am

No comments?

#3 Post by **Lisa65** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:25 pm

Elle, I am not sure, but I imagine that if you have no gaps to close and everything is "done" on your lowers, then it's just to hold things where they are and allow settling of the teeth into their new positions?

#4 Post by **kaycee** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:01 pm

In addition to closing some gaps, my closing wires also brought my teeth back. So they were slanted outwards and now they are more straight up and down.

#5 Post by **Delag** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 8:32 pm

Ellebee, weren't you the one who was sure you wouldn't make it through the first month of braces?

I don't have an answer for you, but I am glad to hear you are doing so well. Don't be a stranger!

#6 Post by **metalfangs** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:15 pm

Closing wires, I got them a few hours ago. They seem painful [lol].
They're supposed to close my extraction gaps and bring my teeth backwards. I was going to post some pics but they all are blurry. Might post some pics later.