Braces on 2+ years, still a problem with canine (?)
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 1:08 pm
I've had braces for 2 years and 2 months to correct a very deep overbite. I had braces as a teen and they pulled 4 teeth to make room. Subsequently my bite collapsed.
At this point my teeth look pretty good (not perfect but they were worn some from grinding) but I continue to have a problem with my right upper canine/Cuspid (I think that is the one, though I'm not positive what was pulled 30 odd years ago, I think a bicuspid) hitting the lower canine. This upper tooth was worn before I started braces but much worse now. I have some TMJ in that side, had it before, it went away during treatment, and now it's back. My wonderful ortho thinks he can get it out of the way, but he hasn't thoroughly explained how. I'm wondering if it's just me stressing the tooth or if the tooth is causing the tmj. I put wax on lower brackets each night to prevent damage if I bite down in my sleep - which I do because I often wake up with jaws clenched. I think I may have a slight cross bite as well. My midline is somewhat off. Any ideas?
At this point my teeth look pretty good (not perfect but they were worn some from grinding) but I continue to have a problem with my right upper canine/Cuspid (I think that is the one, though I'm not positive what was pulled 30 odd years ago, I think a bicuspid) hitting the lower canine. This upper tooth was worn before I started braces but much worse now. I have some TMJ in that side, had it before, it went away during treatment, and now it's back. My wonderful ortho thinks he can get it out of the way, but he hasn't thoroughly explained how. I'm wondering if it's just me stressing the tooth or if the tooth is causing the tmj. I put wax on lower brackets each night to prevent damage if I bite down in my sleep - which I do because I often wake up with jaws clenched. I think I may have a slight cross bite as well. My midline is somewhat off. Any ideas?