Metal Mouth Message Board

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses. Many of you suggested good questions to bring back to my orthodontist. I'm realizing it's more emotional than practical -- I mostly want the implant because I regret allowing the extraction to happen now that I know it was a fast work-around versus a necessar...

Notice anything about these teeth? threelowerincisors.jpg They're all missing a lower incisor — like me. I had one removed when I was younger (my first round of braces) to fix crowding. Now, I'm left with only three lower incisors and I regret the extraction. My orthodontist, though, said it's commo...

I've become obsessed with flossing since I got my braces in early May.

I use a combination of regular floss, interdental brushes (Dentek) and a Waterpik Aquarius with the "pik pocket" tip.

Extractions can be intimating, but so worth it (when they're truly necessary). I was nervous to get my wisdom teeth removed in April. I got braces a week later. Couldn't be happier. Good luck!

I have traditional metal braces and I use the "pik pocket" tip on my stationary Waterpik Aquarius. It seems more effective for flossing and I use a low-setting. Any particular reason I should be using the orthodontic tip? I know it's supposed to clean brackets, but my Sonicare works well. ...

A travel pack including:

Toothbrush
Travel toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Floss threaders
Interdental "Christmas tree" brush
Several packs of wax
Ointment for mouth injuries

1. Where are you located? Seattle
2. How much are you paying for your braces? $5,800 ($3,800 after insurance)
3. What kind of braces do you have? Traditional metal, top and bottom
4. What is your estimated time in braces? 18 to 24 months

I'm 25 and will likely have braces until 27.

I'm new to braces and will need an implant once they're off. I live in Seattle and my orthodontist said I should expect to pay as much as $6,000.

How much did your implant cost and where did you have it done?

I'm in my first month of a 18- to 24-month estimate. For those of you who went beyond the initial estimate, at what point in the treatment did your orthodontist inform you?

I'm in my first month with traditional metal braces and impressed with the progress so far. How long did it take you to notice results?

Please comment with:
1. Your treatment estimate
2. Type of braces
3. When you first noticed results and how long before your teeth straightened out completely