Extraction Gap Reopening?

[nifer237]

I had an extraction back in April and a power chain on for about 6 months. They recently removed it in September and said it was all closed up. I could tell because I could no longer poke my tongue around in the gap. Now I am noticing that it's opening up again without the power chain, every so slightly. My next appointment is the 12th, but has this happened to anyone else? I want it completely closed up.

[BaliGirl]

I had a gap between my upper front teeth that will NOT stay closed without the powerchain on. Every time my ortho removes the powerchain, the gap reappears within a day. I feel your frustration!

[BraceFace2o1o]

I haven't had any extraction gaps to deal with, but have had a gap between my lower right lateral incisor and central incisor due to IPR earlier on in treatment. I had a metal tie positioned like a powerchain connecting my lower 4 front teeth (to close the gap) for a few months but had it removed at my last appointment just over 2 weeks ago because the gap had completely closed. Unfortunately I started to notice it opening up again by the next day! (obviously very minute movement, but I noticed it) and gradually it's opened up a bit more. It hasn't opened up as much as it did before the powerchain was fitted, but I am a little 'upset' by it because I know I'll have to have the powerchain back again and wonder what will be done differently to keep it closed this time. It's bothering me more than usual probably because my Ortho said at my last appointment I only have another 5 or 6 months to go... Now because of the gap I'm wondering if that time frame might have to be extended . Nevermind, all part of the journey I guess and I'll just have to be patient.

I haven't bothered phoning my Ortho to mention this, normally I would have done. I'm just going to leave it until my next appointment which is in 2 weeks.

[nifer237]

Ugh, so frustrating. It's a very small gap, maybe 5mm, but what was the point of putting the power chain on for all that time? I'm afraid I'm going to go in and he's going to say "too bad, it will keep doing that", basically tough luck. Positive thoughts!

[bbsadmin]

I remember when my stubborn extraction gaps wouldn't close, my orthodontist put these fancy bends and loops in my arch wire. I think this was in addition to the powerchains. Worked like a charm. In no time, the gaps -- which had been "stuck" for months -- closed up, and stayed closed.

[VA5]

Hate to say it... I am post braces and my extraction gaps have all opened up slightly. So I have four and they are varying sizes... the bottoms are surprising b/c they were closed for at least 6 months towards the end of my braces, maybe longer than that. I have fixed retainers too but they still opened up a little. To the point where I can feel the gap when I smile and when I floss.

[ArchWired28]

I have not had any extractions and I am still kind of early in treatment, but since I got braced, the gaps between my top front incisor and lateral are opening on either side. They were still small, but my ortho put a powerchain on it and they closed. However, they opened back again as the powerchain was off, so he reinserted it back.
It does not bother me much since I am early and probably will have all sorts of gaps opening and closing before I am done, but I feel your frustration. You definitely don't want the extraction gaps reappear I hope your ortho can fix them for good!

[BraceFace2o1o]

It really is frustrating, but you're right we need to try and stay positive. I will be bringing it up with my Ortho though, had the gap been in the back/side of my mouth I wouldn't probably let it get to me as much (although I would still be annoyed with it), but this gap is right at the front of my mouth!

I have a few things I want to mention now that I'm 'near' the end of my treatment, so soon I'll have a list to take in with me ... I don't care if it adds extra time on my treatment... ok actually I do but tough. Oh and even though I just said I'll be mentioning it to my Ortho, a part of me will still be like "am I being too picky? should I just leave it?"