Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi, I am new here so just posting now so my account doesn't get deleted.

Decided to sign up today because I desperately need advice and people's different perspectives on my individual case. Also to offer my own experience and knowledge to others going through the same thing.

A bit about me:

I have had braces in for about 6 months so far in preparation for double jaw surgery. I also had braces when I was 15, but about 18 months ago I realized I was extremely unhappy with my appearance and found I had had 'camouflage' treatment to hide the more serious problem of retrognathic jaws/overbite (had my incisors tipped posteriorly). Unfortunately I had to go private because my deformity isn't 'severe' enough to warrant having it on the NHS (I live in the UK) and am having to pay out of my savings.

I also have congenitally missing upper lateral incisors but with no, or little space for implants. In other words my upper teeth are one tooth in front of the lowers (the canines are where the lateral incisors should be etc). I HATE how this looks but my orthodontist can't/won't make spaces for the implants. After going through with it anyway I now wish I had got a second and third opinion from someone else first. Is it impossible or was she simply refusing to because it is not the easiest or simplest option or surpasses her individual ability (would probably involve headgear or arch expansion)?

Look forward to posting back here again soon in more detail once I am allowed to post images...

Cheers

Hi fellow James,

Also from the UK!

Sounds like you should of got a second opinion really! But it's not too late is it? If you have little confidence in your Dr, I'm sure you could get a free consultation elsewhere to ease your mind?

Hi there, thanks for the reply.

I actually emailed two ortho clinics last week explaining my situation and only one of them replied, but saying that they cannot help me seeing as I already in the process of private treatment with someone else, which is annoying. I now realise that each orthdontist has a different opinion potentially on the same case because of their particular approach and underlying orthodontic 'philosophy'.

I did post some pictures and info on my teeth in the 'ask a doctor' section on RealSelf.com and not to my surprise got a few different opinions on it. One which particularly interested me was the possibility of actually having my first pre-molars removed in order make spaces for the canines to be moved into their correct place (the roots are already in the right place but the teeth are pointed inwards to meet the central incisors) followed by either dental implants or failing that a cosmetic form of bridges for the missing lateral incisors. This would seem a much more natural looking and aesthetic result although not the simplest form of treatment (but worth it in my opinion).

Also, some doctors are saying that I have a narrow/restricted arch from the photos whereas my orthodontist says I don't, yet she's the one who has looked at my teeth in person so I don't know what to think.

The awkward thing is that i can't justify making a transfer from my current ortho until I am SURE that what I want to achieve is possible with someone else and that would require a consultation - which I can't seem to get as long as I'm still receiving my current treatment so, bit of a catch-22. Plus, I feel funny about bringing it up with my current ortho because I know that she will just try to convince me otherwise so I would have to be really assertive and honest about how unhappy I am with the treatment plan. I was actually referred to her from my jaw surgeon which makes it even more tricky because I still want to stick with the same surgeon despite this seeing as I specifically chose that surgeon based on his good reputation. Not that he couldn't work with a different orthodontist of my choosing in theory but, y'know..

Anyone have any advice/experience to offer?

Hello James, I am Jamie-Leigh, also from the UK.
I would be more inclined to trust your actual orthodontist rather than those online, your real orthodontist has actually seen inside your mouth and knows your case INSIDE OUT. If your not happy with your treatment/orthodontist I would look for another orthodontist just for a consultation, if you can afford it, some even offer free initial consultations so its worth having a look around.

Ideally, you should just mention it your orthodontist, you are paying for treatment so, this means your ortho should be listening to any worries you are having and reassure you and look into the problem properly. Don't be fobbed off if your not happy, voice your opinion.

Sorry for not offering you much advice.
good luck

[quote="oimysizex"]Hello James, I am Jamie-Leigh, also from the UK.
I would be more inclined to trust your actual orthodontist rather than those online, your real orthodontist has actually seen inside your mouth and knows your case INSIDE OUT. If your not happy with your treatment/orthodontist I would look for another orthodontist just for a consultation, if you can afford it, some even offer free initial consultations so its worth having a look around.

Ideally, you should just mention it your orthodontist, you are paying for treatment so, this means your ortho should be listening to any worries you are having and reassure you and look into the problem properly. Don't be fobbed off if your not happy, voice your opinion.

Sorry for not offering you much advice.
good luck[/quote]

Thanks. I agree, they can get a better judgement once they actually see you in person and look inside your mouth, but even so their approach and ability may vary.

Will definitely bring it up with her or my surgeon and try to get a few free consultations on the side if possible.

For reasons of professional courtesy, I expect most orthodontists are going to be reluctant to write a treatment plan for another doctor's patient that is undergoing active treatment unless there is something seriously wrong going on, unless they are requested to do so by the treating ortho.

Any re-evaluation of your current treatment is probably going to have to be initiated via a referral from your current orthodontist. Perhaps you can convince your current ortho to write you a referral to a member of the faculty at the nearest dental school? (My oral surgeon did, but with the knowledge of my current orthodontist.)

That's what I thought, frustrating though..

thanks :)