Metal Mouth Message Board

I have only had one adjustment so far, at the four week point. As it turns out, it was really just a check and a lig change. At that visit, my orthodontist explained that the archwire retains its memory for 16-weeks, so she won't change it until closer to that point. I only had the ligs changed beca...

The first night I attempted to floss I nearly cried from the pain and aggravation! I honestly thought I'd never be able to do it. But since it's so important, I tried again and it does get easier. I use Oral-B Super Floss, which is amazing. I found regular floss and threaders too difficult. My teeth...

I'm 34 and just got braces so consider yourself YOUNG! :wink: And I also have an 8mm overjet that we're trying to work on without surgery. I have all clear brackets and my treatment is estimated at 24 months. $8,400 total cost. I've had my braces on for just over a month and already see so much impr...

Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to get fillings done once you have braces on. Before my ortho would put mine on, I had to have a dental exam and have the dentist sign off saying I didn't have any cavities or other dental issues that required treatment. During that final exam, a cavity tur...

I too have opted not to have surgery to correct my bite - primarily because my health insurance won't cover any part of it. I've had my braces on for almost a month now - in hopes of achieving some kind of compromise solution. At the very least I'll finally have a straight smile which I'm very excit...

When my braces were being bonded last week, one broke right about when everything was finished. The assistant had to drill or grind off the glue remaining on that tooth and that was incredibly painful! Sounds like what they did to the back of your canines. So I think it's normal that it was painful ...

I think some aspects of treatment inevitably will be painful, but does your doc warn you or communicate to you what to expect? I think it makes a huge difference just to have the doc acknowledge you as a feeling person and say, are you okay? this may be uncomfortable etc... It sounds like your docto...

I don't have molar bands, just brackets up to my second from last molar. Two orthodontists I saw said I wouldn't need them, although they are definitely very common.

I also had to decide between having extractions or not. I went to four consults: the first said no extractions, the second said two extractions (first pre-molars), the third said maybe extractions but he wasn't sure, and the fourth said no extractions. I decided on the fourth because I was most comf...

I just had a filling in preparation for getting my braces on and it cost $400. I live in Los Angeles, CA.

NYG, Thank you very much for your detailed response! I appreciate it. The "extraction" orthodontist did discuss a few similar cases and the after pictures were very impressive. I will check with his office to see if he can make molds or use Orthocad to render my probable after result. You clarified ...

Thanks for your response, Mike. Unfortunately, I've confirmed that my insurance absolutely won't cover any part of jaw surgery - it is specifically excluded in my employer's policy. The insurance "guru" at my oral surgeon's office confirmed this for me after reviewing the policy. Apparently, this ty...

Thank you very much for your responses! The orthodontist who recommended the extractions actually thinks it will improve my appearance slightly, because I have a very full upper lip area. Not just my upper lip, but the area above it. He thinks having the two extractions will reduce this fullness and...

Hi all, I have been reading this board for a while and it has been hugely helpful. I am in my 30's and have never had any orthodontic treatment. I have an 8mm overjet and crowding on the top and bottom. I've been told by 3 dentists that I would require jaw surgery to correct the alignment between my...