Gaps not closing

[porsch1909]

I have had my braces for over 3 years now. I am now 18 years old.

I was told 1.5-2 years initially but i missed a lot of appoitments and used to play with my braces a lot and they would break. which didn't help...

But recently since going to university I really hate my braces. So i turn up to all my appoitements and everything.

But I have two gaps on my top set of teeth that don't seem to be shrinking....at all....

The orthadontitst has some twisty rubber band around the wire....but the gaps don't seem to be reducing at all

I really want these braces off, they are a pain

If you need pictures I can post them.is there any reason why these gaps aren't shrinking?all my teeh seem to be pretty aligned and nice just these darn gaps!!

I have been considering changing orthadontist.....

[dr.j]

If you have missed a bunch of visits and have had a bunch of broken brackets just know that you should have been done by now. FOr each broken bracket or appointment you may have been set back 1-2 mos for each event. It takes time to get teeth lined up and moving again. I would not suggest changing orthodontists - it will cost you $$$ and it is unlikely that the next guy can pull a rabbit out of the hat and close spaces better or faster than the 1st one.
I have had patients no show or cancel up to 10 visits in 3 years and have 12 or more broken braces: after 3 years they really only netted about 8 months of progress. You really may have some lost to time to make up for. We see this all of the time. Just hang in there - it won't happen overnight. Good Luck

Dr.J

[porsch1909]

Okay thanks....

Cost wouldn't be an issue because im in the UK so it is free anyway...

Well inclusive in taxes if you like

No such thing as a free lunch

[trinity1]

I also have been very much frustrated on the slow progress of closing a 3mm gap despite using rubberbands, ligual buttons, powerchains for at least a year. However, at my adjustment yesterday, my Ortho personally worked on my teeth(lucky me!) and he used what I think may be called a "closing spring" which looks like a coiled wire. It's just been overnight, but I have already noticed a considerable difference. Only downside is it hurts like crazy! There must be a reason why he waited this long before using this closing spring when he could have used it sooner. But he's the expert. You may want to ask your Ortho if this is something you could get. Hang in there!

[porsch1909]

I don't care about the pain!!

I'd go through all the pain possible just to get these braces off!!

Plus if my teeth hurt : -

1. I know something is happening
2. Easy way to diet