Metal Mouth Message Board

What do you mean a part was crushed so you straightened it out? That doesn't sound like an acceptable retainer to me. Your essix should fit perfectly and not cause any pain especially when they first make it. To have pain off an on isn't good. Yes, there is a bit a discomfort to be expected when you...

Yes, my ortho has an in-house lab. I was also fitted for a positioner, that was done by someone in California and I had to wait about 5 weeks to get it.

I got my retainer 2 hours after the brackets were removed. Waiting a week won't cause damage that can't be fixed with the retainer. I wouldn't worry too much. You teeth haven't moved much in 1 2hours...they are just settling since they are not being held together with wires. You will be fine, I woul...

I also had clear on top and metal on the bottom. I was told the clear brackets were too bulky to have on both arches because they could clash against each other and cause damage. I've seen people with clear on the top and bottom so maybe the size of my teeth played a role in the decision?? I didn't ...

Retainers are meant to retain teeth so life long wear is needed. Anything less than that and you're risking it...especially for adult teeth. If the teeth are loose then tight it is because if inconsistent wear, the teeth are at a constant tug of war with themselves. Are there any issues that prevent...

I would be very hesitant to only do a bottom arch...that's like only shampooing half your hair...you will be better off doing both arches to get the best result possible. As for life changes, braces only impact your life, it you let it. Once the braces are on, no one cares that you have them. And on...

As someone who wore braces for 3 years and 10 months and has had them off for 2 1/2 years now...I can say, time flies even though you may not think so. In the end, it is worth every minute spent in braces! Your best bet is to be compliant with your ortho's instructions. Don't rush the process becaus...

I wore my braces for 3 years, 10 months and 4 days...I was in and out of elastics probably 5 different times. Each time there was a different reason, different type of configuration... I know elastics should be worn exactly as the ortho has described so you do not do any "damage" to your p...

I wouldn't stress over it, more than likely you will be fine. In case of an emergency, I would call your ortho, explain the situation and they can tell you if it can wait or if you would need to see someone there. But really there isn't a lot that can happen... I wore braces for almost 4 years, the ...

Sorry for the late response! I wouldn't wear the retainer at all if you are drinking and/or can't brush after eating....food can get trapped and cause cavities. Plus, who knows what alcohol can do to a retainer. Also, it's the holiday's...enjoy the fun times. If you know you won't be wearing them fo...

I wouldn't...what if you need to wear elastics again? I wore them off and on throughout my almost 4 years in braces. Try putting some wax on it until you can speak to your ortho.

Which teeth are missing or is soon to be extracted? I had a tooth on each arch that had been extracted before braces and my ortho just moved the other teeth into place with the braces. I didn't need implants. I don't know if this is an option for you but it wouldn't hurt to ask. If the tooth can be ...

Sounds to me like you also should call your dental insurance company. If you haven't received a statement that usually says something similar to "This is not a bill" from your dental insurance company, then more than likely they have not been submitting the claim to the insurance. Probably...

Try sugar free BreathSavers! They are a lifesaver! I like the blue package....they helped while I had braces. I used them all 4 years and they didn't cause one cavity!

I think more than likely your ortho will shape the teeth when the braces are removed or maybe when they are still on. (Mine shaped a few of my teeth when the braces were removed.) If the right one was shaped a bit, it would align nicely with the left and the braces should pull them together. Veneers...