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I posted pics of my lower arch a few posts back. Here is my top arch. The bottom two pictures were taken May 3. Again, not much change. I think it's very minimal for one year in braces. Today I met with my ortho to see what is going on and more of the same, "these things take time", "it's not a quick process". I've had a spring coil on my lower arch (since Nov. 07) to make room. He hasn't done IPR on anything and said today he doesn't plan to. I didn't have any extractions. I feel like my teeth won't move because they don't have room. Then to top if off my midline is off. I am a very patient person but I'm being pushed to my limit here. I am going to consult with another ortho later this week.
Also, I consulted with 3 other orthos before I chose this one and they all said I'd be done and a year, and here I am with this one with no end in sight.
What do you think of my progress? Slower than usual? Is this normal??
I do see progress. Is it as fast as you desire? I think all of us want faster progress than we have. Remember if the roots are moved too fast, you'll have a greater chance of long term damage.
Can the ortho move your teeth faster? Maybe. Orthodontics is an inexact science. What will work for one individual in X amount of time may take two X for the next person. I've all but begged my ortho to do whatever is required to move my teeth so that I can have surgery. They're still moving but at a very slow pace. All my hoping and wishing hasn't changed their space on mm.
I would ask you to consider your ortho's motives. Is it greed or your self interest? Are you on a monthly contract that is open ended? If so, maybe he is greed motivated. Is it a set fee? If so, taking as long as required is a sign of the ortho being more concerned with the final result rather than the bottom line. For example, when Dr. P and I changed my treatment plan, I asked about changing the fee. Her remark was "we agreed on a fee for the required treatment." I gained a great deal of respect for her at that very moment.
Mike
I wore braces (this time) for 1294 days or 3 years, 6 months and 17 days.
But who's counting?
Jaw Surgery June 1, 2009
Thanks for praying for me and thinking happy thoughts.
