My ortho just won't listen! (frustrated)

[Leilo0]

Hello everyone.
This is not my first post. I've been a longtime member/lurker since I got my braces in 2010 but somehow my account got deleted :(

A year and 5 months later, I am scheduled for braces removal at the end of this month. I should be ecstatic right?
I would be except I don't think they're ready to be taken out.
I was not expecting a movie star grin but I wanted to be proud of my smile and right now I'm not.
I've told my ortho that my two front teeth look funny - especially my right front tooth more so than the left. She tells me that it only looks that way because they are an even. I just think that the right tooth is sticking out way too much for my liking.

She doesn't like it when you ask questions because she thinks you're questioning her work but I want to be firm about not having my braces removed yet (at least the upper part). I want to do it without throwing a temper tantrum for my next appointment. sigh"
Any feedback on how to handle this in a civil way is super appreciated. Thank you!

And how come we can't post photos anymore?

[margarets]

Don't forget, the ortho is working for YOU. It's your right to have input into your treatment and even to refuse treatment if you want.

So, you can call to cancel the de-bracing and have a consultation with the ortho instead. Tell her how you want your teeth to look (why would an ortho take braces off teeth that are visibly uneven anyway? that's very weird) and don't budge unless she gives you a very good reason.

You could always see another ortho for a second opinion. It'll cost you, of course, but you want this thing done right and it's peanuts compared to the time, effort and money you have already put in.

[JennyLaughs]

I think going to see another ortho for a second opinion would be my next step. Just ask them their opinion without giving any input and if what they say is a lot different than what your current ortho tells you, you may need to have a serious chat with your current ortho.

[ArchWired28]

Leilo0
this is my nightmare that at debracing, my teeth are still not good enough to my liking, or the bite is not comfortable enough. If you are firm on this, DO NOT get debraced yet. Definitely get 2nd or 3rd opinion. You still have some time to consult several orthos until your scheduled debracing. Even if you have to resume with your current ortho and finish with someone else, this would be way cheaper and easier if you are still braced, providing they usually charge around $1500 for putting the braces in alone.

It would be great to see the pics of your teeth as well.

[Leilo0]

Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for your input. I'm going to book an appointment with my ortho to discuss my HUGE concerns.
I think getting a second opinion is also a great idea. I hope another ortho will be happy to see me - even with my braces.

I would love to post photos but apparently I am not authorized to post url links. Can someone help me figure this out?
I'm such a newb hehe

[Leilo0]

Hi everyone!
I can finally post pictures of my teeth. It started out looking like this:


Scary stuff.

They now look like this (see below) I feel that the right tooth is way too out there and there's a gap then I close my mouth.
Pasta noodles just go through it when I'm eating spaghetti!. I really don't think it's just uneven edges that make my front teeth look like this - or am I just crazy? Ignore the chappy lips. Braces really dry 'em out

[Domino]

Hi Lelio.

Great pictures, and wow, that is an impressive change from your original picture!

I can definitely see what you're talking about. While I think they look great cosmetically, I can see they aren't 100% perfect in terms of alignment and bite—exactly how you explained. You've likely paid a lot to get them to be perfect, so you shouldn't settle for less. Be strong and voice your concerns to your ortho and refuse to be de-braced until the problems have been fixed and you're happy.

Like others have mentioned, I'd suggest seeing another ortho if yours remains stubborn. Ultimately, you're paying for them to make your teeth the way you want them. I see no harm, or rudeness, in telling your ortho what you're not currently happy with. It's a clear fact from your photos that it isn't just you're own opinion; they still could do with some movement to be perfect (though, like I said, they do look nice! )

Good luck, and stay strong!

[sirwired]

One thing that might help is to request to schedule a "talk" appointment. Instead of trying to pin the ortho down at the end of an adjustment, get some time carved out just to talk, so the ortho won't be staring at the clock and looking to brush you off so the next patient can be seen.

[margarets]

Yup, I see it. It's not much but it is not the perfection you are looking and paying for. Definitely push back with this ortho.

[ArchWired28]

I probably should not be saying this but... have you ever noticed that your upper midline is a little bit to the left? And there seems to be a slight midline discrepancy between the upper and lower teeth since your lower midline is centered. I think your right tooth sticking out has to do with the midline shift. Looks like it does not have enough space to move backwards and be equal with the lower tooth. I am not an ortho by any stretch, but I think your problem can easily be fixed with a unilateral elastics or a "midline elastics" going across the middle teeth. I really think this is just a matter of several additional months of elastics wear. Definitely get a 2nd opinion, if your ortho is not cooperative. This stuff matters, I know, I am a perfectionist myself

[rtergeggde]

yeah i agree it doesn't look completely finished.

you're paying a lot of money so press the ortho on the issue your concerned about.

[Leilo0]

Thanks everyone.
I am making an appointment with my ortho for next week and will let them know it's not for removal but to discuss my concerns. I hope it goes well - if not, it'll be a new ortho for me. I appreciate all your suggestions about this topic. You guys are awesome!