This is the place to post general questions and comments about all areas of orthodontic treatment. Before you post a question, use the forum's SEARCH tool to see if your question has already been answered!
New Members: YOU MUST MAKE A POST WITHIN 24 HOURS OF REGISTERING OR YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE DELETED. In other words, don't sign up unless you plan to actively participate in the message board immediately. This is necessary to keep out spammers and lurkers with bad intentions. Of course, you can read most forums on the board without registering.
DO NOT POST FULL-FACE PHOTOS or personal contact information on this website. We have had problems with people re-posting members' photos on fetish websites. Please only post photos of your teeth, not your whole face. Keep your email and your personal information private. Thank you.
Hi guys, I'm 39 and new here not braced yet....hopefully in early January.....I've been to 2 ortho's for consults.....1 wants to pull teeth, and the other doesn't think it's necessary.....I'm all for not pulling teeth, and I guess if 1/2way into treatment we find I need them pulled, then so be it....had a couple quick questions (will have a million later, I'm sure! LOL).....they were both talking ceramic uppers and metal lowers (not sure what kind)....~18-24 months.....
How do you find out the 'best rated' ortho in your area???? Is there a website?? I have no personal recommendations and am just going off of my regular dentist.....
one guy is a little older and teaches and travels all over the country doing seminars.....sounds good..???
and
How many consults does one typically get??? I always have trouble making decisions anyway, and am afraid that each one I go to will have a different recommendation, confusing me even more.
Is it possible that braces *could* make things worse???
Last edited by JoviFan on Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
I thought of another question for you guys! whats the advantages/disadvantages over essix vs permanent retainers....(hey, I'm starting to learn the lingo!lol)
oh - a little update....got a perio check for Jan 2 so see about 'thinning/debulking' my gum line and whether to do it b4 or after ortho treatment.....I'm atleast moving in the right direction!
I don't think there is a limit on the number of consults you should try. I took the attitude that I was looking for an ortho that I felt comfortable with (knowledgable, friendly, patient) and a treatment plan that I was comfortable with (I refused to have surgery and preferred to not have extractions).
Make a note of what is important to you and rank the items on the list. Then go looking for the ortho that meets all your "must haves" and fills the greatest number of "nice to haves".
Good luck!
Expander in 8/9/06
Lowers on 11/30/06
Uppers on / Expander gone on 1/31/2007
Class III elastics added 3/14/2007
Expander #2 - 6/27/2007
20-24 months w/ fixed metal braces
What was said above is good advice. There are no maximum or minimum consults you should go to. I was happy with my first consult because I just had a good gut instinct. After choosing my ortho for my daughter and myself , I have found more and more of his previous patients that go to my dentist and all gave him two thumbs up and their teeth look amazing!
There are some ortho's who usually want to do extractions. My ortho said that my daughter was "borderline extractions" Meaning that she had some crowding but he felt confident that he could obtain great results without extractions. He did tell us that if within 6-8 months into treatment ,things weren't looking well then he would do extractions. She's 7months into treatment and all teeth are aligned ,so no extractions!
Go with your gut. The different types of bracket is up to you unless you have severe crowding and need metal brackets. All do the job.
Thanks guys --- you all bring up great questions!!! I did call the one ortho's office and asked about the travelling! amongst other questions. The woman I spoke with said he's out of the office about ~6 weeks a year max...not too bad! I got my perio appointment Jan 2...we'll see what he says and go from there!!! sort of getting excited....after looking at those pics I took.....I want straight teeth!!!
This was told to me by my Oral surgeon who I trust completly. I had severe TMJ and my jaw was completely locked. I had numerous consults with oral surgeons, all who said I needed jaw surgery. One the day before surgery, I had one last consultation with this guy. He said surgery should always be the last option and he said "I can help you without surgery". And he did!!! He got my jaw unlocked and my TMJ pain to reduce immensly. Then he recommended that I get braces and that is when he told me under NO circumstances should I let anyone pull my teeth out. We have teeth for a reason, if we did not need them, we wouldn't have them. Once they're gone, they're gone and they dont grow back!
Also, my hubby had braces as a teenager and they pulled his teeth. Now he has lots of gaps and he is very self conscious about it
Now, I know in some situations, it is absolutly necessary, but it doesn't sound like it is in yours.
not braced yet....hopefully in early January.....I've been to 2 ortho's for consults.....1 wants to pull teeth, and the other doesn't think it's necessary.....I'm all for not pulling teeth, and I guess if 1/2way into treatment we find I need them pulled, then so be it....had a couple quick questions (will have a million later, I'm sure! LOL).....they were both talking ceramic uppers and metal lowers (not sure what kind)....~18-24 months.....
