Metal Mouth Message Board

Hello. My ortho is using TADs to raise one side of my upper jaw (by about 2-3 mm) because it is currently slanted (canted). I wonder how this will not just relapse to its original location years down the road. Since we are moving the teeth upwards, can a retainer really keep these teeth in place for the long run, after the braces and TADs are removed?

Does anyone have knowledge in this area?

I have the same problem with the canted upper jaw. I have had braces on for 5 1/2 years and the problem has not been fixed. The procedure that you speak of was never tried with me, so it is disheartening to find out that there are treatment options out there that were never mentioned.

I am curious about the answer too. Yeah, how will they keep the teeth from dropping down again?

Good luck.

sweetsue wrote:I have the same problem with the canted upper jaw. I have had braces on for 5 1/2 years and the problem has not been fixed. The procedure that you speak of was never tried with me, so it is disheartening to find out that there are treatment options out there that were never mentioned.

I am curious about the answer too. Yeah, how will they keep the teeth from dropping down again?

Good luck.

The use of TADs is relatively new and not all orthos use them. My ortho does a lot of research in this area and presents at seminars, etc on the use of TADs so I guess I got really lucky. But if you are still in braces and still canted, maybe consult with another ortho who is more versed in the use of TADs. My ortho is saying he should have my upper jaw straighted out in less than 3 months...

I should also note that the cant I have was a result of orthognathic surgery. I was very symmetrical pre-surgery and came out very crooked. So my concern about relapse is important to me because I wonder whether this "fix" is not as permanent as surgery.

Oh, I understand.