Metal Mouth Message Board

You won't feel most of the vibrations... At least I couldn't.

If you shave with a regular razor; that's an experience! Very odd not being able to feel one second then feeling the razor the next.

Talking won't loosen plates or screws. It's actually better to keep blood flowing. Helps reduce swelling. Helps stretch tight muscles. The soreness is just that; muscle soreness; doing things you're not used to doing.

1213 wrote:Why do they censor the f word?

Although this board is oriented towards adults; there might be some young folks looking or reading. No need to swear.

In Europe it's common that folks have their hardware removed. Here in the states it's uncommon or rare that it is. From what I've read it's not that big of a surgery; nothing like the first that put it in. There is some chance of numbness; but that usually outweighs the reason it's being removed; ch...

I still catch myself breathing through my mouth several times during the day. And still a mouth breather at night; and dry in the mornings.

If given the option of SARPE; I'd do it! More tongue room and better nasal breathing; due to wider passages.

My clenching and grinding shifted my bite significantly. My pre braces treatment of splints helped tame the TMJD symptoms, but to "cure it" I needed braces and jaw surgery. Not all orthodontists are trained to treat TMJD so search for those that have additional training.

I went with ceramic uppers and metal lowers. If I had to do it again; I'd just get all stainless. They can take more pressure without breaking and no one else really cares about your teeth. Metal come off easier too; whole instead of shattering like ceramics.

Significant movement is easier to see; and usually takes less time. But, finalizing and finishing are the most important phase of treatment, and can take a long time.

Ahhhh yes another appointment today. A few more bends in the wire, more elastics (up to 3 now,) and another appointment scheduled.

Getting closer but still feel so far away.

If you have sinus issues due to narrow palate; you'd be better off with SARPE. The expander will move teeth; more tipping outward with slight movement in the bone. SARPE will actually increase volume.

If it's welded on they'll have to remove and repair or replace.

This is a significant surgery. Putting your nose ring in will be the least of your concerns.

I can understand about not wanting to go through surgery again.

Have you talked to any orthodontists? They might be able to move teeth to a better position.

Just because your "growth spurt" has passed, that doesn't mean you're done growing. There are several options out there; appliances, SARPE, double jaw surgery, braces or a combination of any of them. Consult with as many orthodontists as you can to feel comfortable; don't necessarily go with the fir...

My advice; don't extract healthy teeth. Look into surgery. Increase width. There are several options other than extractions; especially being a teen!

***those extractions now might have a significant impact on you later in life!