Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, I am Christian, 15 years old and started orthodontic treatment one year ago with an activator.
I have a rather strong overbite and my ortho said I have three options:
1. surgery and treatment after
2. extractions of the molars and fixed braces for about 2 years
3. fixed braces for 2-3 years and headgear for 2 years

What should I do? Any suggestions? Any experience with this situation?
Thanks a lot.
Chris

Hi Christian,
This is something you and your family can only decide. When I was 14 I had similar options and was scared to have extractions so I ended up having nothing. Now I am 42 and finally decided to have the extractions and couldn't be happier. Years of an overcrowed mouth have taken their toll with lots of fillings and expensive dentistry. I personally wouldn't be able to cope with headgear and surgery. I am happy with my decision and my overall progress so far. Others on here may be able to give an opinion also. Good Luck

First, are you sure you have overbite and not overjet? Overbite means the top teeth overlap much or all of the bottoms, while overjet is buck teeth where tops are out in front of bottoms. Based on proposed treatments, I suspect you may have overjet.

If I were in your position, I would ask a few more questions of the ortho. First are all treatment options expected to provide similar results? If not what would the differences be (is one of these a “compromise” treatment)? Second, what are risks and benefits of each option?

Surgery is a big deal, with long recovery. It’s also very, very expensive. I would not want surgery unless it was the only way to get the best results.

I also would prefer not to extract teeth. Since you’re fortunate to get treatment while you’re still growing, I would consider option 3 with headgear. Would that correct your bite completely? How many hours a day would you wear headgear?

Good luck with your treatment

Thanks for this. I am German so I translated, but I am not sure whether I did right. It should be overjet then.
Surgery would bring the best results, but it takes months to recover fully, he said and the usual risks of surgery.
The orthodontis prefers 2. The ortho would like to extract now and then start treatment immediately, but he says headgear may be necessary for some months.
third option is possible, but not sure whether it works, he said, after 1-2 years, extractions may become necessary in any case (because there is not much space); I should wear headgear 16 h a day, weekend even longer, if possible
Not sure what I should do.
Chris

You might repost your query on the surgery forum. I don't have experience with your situation. As you know, you have to weigh the long-term risks and benefits of each option. Your English is excellent, by the way.

Consider consulting with a 2nd or 3rd ortho to see if they agree with ortho #1.

I talked again to the ortho
We excluded option 1, surgery
He prefers option 2, extractions now and then fixed braces, However he made clear that even option 2 may require cervical headgear for 6 months or so
My parents prefer option 3, fixed braces now and combination headgear, does this mean two straps?
probably i will get braces next week and headgear the week after
i have no great choice
Chris

Based on those, I'd pick 2.

However, knowing that you are 15, I would ask them about expanding your palate. You are young enough where that is a good option. As adults, expansion isn't a great option and actually doens't even really work (supposedly).. only surgery works for adults. But at 15, your bones are not fused together, you are still growing. I would most definitely get my palate expanded and THEN get braces to push back your overjet.

Thanks
I already had my palate expanded by removable braces
and I am almost 16, so further expansion is risky. he says
he says that headgear is often and successfully used for teens
headgear will be attached to fixed braces and four elastics will be used
will get everything next week
I prefer headgear to extractions
chris

Cris

I would opt for a third option: Use extra oral appliance.
Use the-extra-oral appliance 24 / 7. At the beginning it was very difficult, people were staring. Today I'm used to.
I am an adult and use Headgear ... Adults also use ... can be sure that ...
I never draw a palm smooth. In some cases! Do not let the dentist to extract teeth ..
Surgery is a little complicated ...
Choose the Headgear, you'll be lucky ...

When you decide, post here your experiences.

My parents decided that I shall get fixed braces and headgear. If this does not work or headgear compliance is not sufficient, the ortho will make extractions. I will get a headgear scorecard and will be monitored.
A boy in my class has headgear, too. He says that this is not very comfortable. I am a bit scared.
Chris

I got an activator now with combination headgear. I have to wear the activator and headgear 14 h a day. After that, I will have to wear only the headgear for about 4 to 6 months. Then wisdom teeth will be extracted. Then about 1 to 2 years with full bands follow including combination headgear the first year.
headgear pull is now 300 gr. It is ok for me. seems that I did not have a choice. Would like to talk to other people with same experience.