Metal Mouth Message Board

In order for the expander to "expand" that wire cannot be continuous all the way across, so it should be "broken" somewhere. I would ask your Orthodontist about it!

If it's the Dr. Arnett I think it is, he is very well respected in the orthodontic community, and you can be assured that you are in good hands.

looking at your picture, I would say there is a good chance that you need surgery to correct the underbite and the open bite. I know a few very good orthodontists in the Phoenix area, I know it's big, but here are a few names: Thomas Shipley - an excellent orthodontist Kristen Netsel (She is now mar...

The first question is easy to answer: Yes, in most cases, you can have the implants placed when you have a retainer.

The second question is tough. The partial may fit very well, or it may not. It really depends on:
1. Which teeth are moving and
2. How much they move.

You can have that tooth looked at whenever you have the ability to open your mouth that wide. You will want to ask the oral surgeon what to expect as far as regaining your range of motion, he/she can give you an idea of what may be a good time to have the tooth looked at, or they may decide it would...

I'm glad to hear those with Innovation C like them; those are the ones I'm considering.

Not to confuse things even more, but it really depends on what brackets your orthodontist is using. In my case, if I were to use Damon brackets, they would be larger than either the regular stainless steel brackets I use or the ceramic brackets I use. The Damon brackets are not much different from a...

Thanks for your input!

For the record, I've got Macs in my office...I love them, too.

Power chains are most commonly used to close space, but they can be used for many things, including rotating teeth. If you are at the beginning of your treatment, that's what I would guess it is being used for. The other thing you describe is called a ligature wire. It is used to hold the wire very ...

Using mini-screws (Temporary anchorage devices is the term that is a little easier to stomach) is fairly easy and a very predictable way to correct an anterior open bite. People who have had them describe it as easier that having teeth removed. If you get a chance, check out a question I have for ev...

Hello, I hope I've been able to help some of you during your orthodontic treatment...well, now I need your help! I've been using Clarity brackets in my practice as an option for my patients who prefer to have ceramic brackets. The problem, as many of you know, is that the clear ligature ties that ho...

Many people say spacers are the most painful part of braces, so hopefully you won't have as many problems once they are out. The expander I would describe as more uncomfortable than painful. It takes up the space where your tongue usually is, so speaking and swallowing are both difficult at first. J...

Comfort covers work well for a lot of people, you could also try a mouthguard that you buy in a sporting good store, they are a little more bulky, but are pretty easy to work with. Don't boil them, though, just pop it in.

Boy, it sure sounds like you've been having a lot of trouble. I'm sorry to hear about all the difficulties you've had, but fortunately, most people don't have this kind of trouble with invisalign. At your next appointment I would sit down with your orthodontist and go over your concerns, maybe even ...

Hi, congrats on finishing up your treatment! You finished the active part of your treatment, anyway, but retainers are an equally important part of keeping that beautiful smile. If your orthodontist recommended you wear your retainers 24/7, that's what I'd do. At your next appt you can tell him the ...