Metal Mouth Message Board

I know it isn't that great getting back into braces; one of the reasons I wanted things as good as they could be before they came off; after 4 years... But; if it allows your TMJ's to heal and eventually feel better all the time instead of just when being treated with splints; all the better. Jaw pa...

They're usually made of a silicone rubber and resistant up to a few hundred degrees; if they're melting, you're actually on fire and probably not concerned with your powerchains at that point.

ETA should have looked at the date before clicking send.... Guessing you have it figured out by now. Wait until you get home. If everything is still in place AND you have an Essix that goes over the top of it you will be completely fine. Even if it's broken; I'd wait until you get to your regular or...

Please keep us updated during your recovery from this.

Mine is comfortable; I also have acrylic on the wire in the front for better control of teeth.

If I had to do it all again; I go with stainless. They're lower profile, can have more pressure put on them, less prone to breakage/more durable, and less expensive. After the first week and the shock of being in braces wears off; no one cares about your teeth but you. You can still see the ceramics...

Picked up the Hawley retainers on Thursday. They were both snug width wise; so I'm happy I got them. They do take up a lot of tongue room; but allow top and bottom teeth to actually touch so my bite can finally settle... There are some gaps on my left side; I hope they close... They both have acryli...

Best wishes for an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery. Let us know how it goes.

It's supposed to be there. Might be there to help position the wire in the center or might be putting specific forces on the teeth.

The crunching is probably a loose molar band. I'm not sure how your upper jaw would cramp when you eat; you don't have any moveable parts in it; lips or cheeks?

The popping in the TMJ could be an issue and should be talked about during your next visit.

Braces came off Friday! As far as retention; bonded upper and lower; 3 to 3, Essix trays and Hawleys upper and lower. The upper Hawley will either be a clear acrylic bow or wire with acrylic pressure points to prevent teeth from rotating. Hawleys should help maintain width more than Essix; but trays...

Tentative removal date; JULY 20th!!! Getting a lower bonded retainer, Hawleys, possible Essix for daytime use. Might even try a positioner for some final movements and sleeping jaw position; so I can't clench or grind while giving me an opposing force to press on teeth instead of holding my jaw open...

It all depends on what your needs are and how your teeth move. If you need more space; you'll likely see a larger gap. Some folks have a gap of several mm; maybe enough for another incisor; some will be much less. But, remember, things *might* look worse before they look great!! And you have the roo...

Some folks have found relief with plate removal. It might be an option for you; you just have to weigh the pros and cons.

Talk to your surgeon about it and go from there.

The only area where I had lingering tight/numbness was the left corner of my mouth/chin. If I physically pull my lower lip with my fingers or stretch it from the inside with my tongue, it will relax for a while. It seems like it's very slowly getting more feeling and relaxing. Even after 3 years.