Seeking Guidance After Two Years of Braces Treatment
I’m a 23-year-old who has undergone a braces treatment lasting two years, and I'm facing some unexpected challenges. In September 2023, I had two lower premolars removed, followed by the extraction of two upper premolars in July 2024. This was necessary due to an improper bite that developed after the lower extractions. Initially, my teeth had no problems with chewing; they were entirely functional. My motivations for orthodontics were purely aesthetic. Fast forward to now, I’m experiencing noticeable changes: my cheeks and eyes appear sunken, there’s limited space for my tongue, my teeth are in constant tension, and my lips have lost their fullness due to the addition of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) for more aggressive treatment. I consulted with two different dentists during this time. The first, while reassuring, offered little in the way of explanations and insisted I pursue this course of action, promising no adverse effects. I felt pressured, particularly with an upcoming event on the horizon. He mentioned that my treatment could wrap up in merely a year, but noted that the palatal expander process might take 2–3 years, which left me feeling overwhelmed. After eight months under his care, I decided to switch to a different practice and consulted three more dentists, all of whom suggested that I should have upper premolar extractions as well. So, I followed their advice and went through with those extractions. Now, I find myself feeling anxious and uncertain about my next steps. I’m left questioning whether I should: - Reopen the spaces for my premolars? - Consider getting dental implants? - Create smaller gaps and pursue composite bonding to enhance my smile, improving both its function and aesthetics? - Explore options for a palatal expander? - Or should I simply accept my current situation as it is? I am truly seeking your insights and advice as my wedding is approaching in just four months, and I want to avoid a long, thin appearance on such a special day.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 10:31:10 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are going through a challenging time with your orthodontic treatment, especially with your wedding approaching in just four months. Let's break down your concerns and explore manageable options together.
Main Points:
- Lack of Comfort and Aesthetics: You're experiencing physical discomfort and aesthetic concerns due to the extractions and treatment methods utilized, which need immediate addressing.
- Exploring Options: There are several potential solutions, each with distinct implications for your dental aesthetics and function.
Explanation:
You’ve undergone significant dental procedures aimed at correcting your bite and improving aesthetics, but now you are facing issues with sunken cheeks, tension in your teeth, and discomfort in your mouth. Here’s a breakdown of your options, focusing on what may be most beneficial for you as you prepare for your wedding.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Consult with a Specialist:
- Seeking a consultation with an orthodontic specialist (orthodontist) experienced with TADs, premolar extractions, and cosmetic improvements is crucial. They can provide insight tailored to your unique situation and help you understand the best options moving forward.
-
Consider Temporary Solutions:
- If your wedding is in four months, discuss temporary solutions such as composite bonding, which can help fill gaps and improve the overall appearance of your smile for your wedding day. This would be a less invasive approach to enhance aesthetics quickly.
-
Evaluate Space for Future Treatment:
- Ask your orthodontist about the possibility of reopening spaces for premolars or obtaining dental implants. This can create a more functional bite long-term, but timelines can vary significantly, so it's essential to know what can realistically be accomplished in your timeframe.
-
Palatal Expander Considerations:
- While a palatal expander can help with space, it may take time to see results. Discuss whether this aligns with your timeline and expectations for your immediate needs.
-
Communicate Clearly:
- Express your specific needs, worries, and what you hope to achieve at each appointment. Ensuring your orthodontist understands the urgency due to your upcoming wedding can aid in creating a tailored and time-sensitive treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Your concerns about aesthetics and comfort are valid and important. Prioritize consultations with experienced specialists, and consider solutions that can quickly improve your smile before your wedding day, like bonding. Take a proactive approach in communicating your needs and timeline during these consultations to achieve the best possible results for your special occasion.
Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these steps or if there’s anything else I can help with!
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance for My Health Concerns
Hello, I find myself in need of assistance regarding a health issue that I'm currently facing. I would be grateful for any insights or advice. For context, I am 23 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weigh 195 pounds. Thank you!
Elevated Albumin Levels with Low Normal Globulin
I’m a 38-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing approximately 185 pounds. I do not smoke and consume alcohol socially. My recent blood test revealed that my albumin level is high-normal, while my globulin level hovers at the lower end of the normal range. It's worth noting that I underwent this test while fasting, which might be relevant to the results. Here are the specific findings from my lab results: - **Total Protein:** 7.0 (Normal range: 6.1 - 8.1) - **Albumin:** 5.1 (Normal range: 3.6 - 5.1) - **Globulin:** 1.9 (Normal range: 1.9 - 3.7) - **Albumin/Globulin Ratio:** 2.7 (High; Normal range: 1.0 - 2.5) I would appreciate any insights or explanations regarding the significance of these results, particularly concerning the high albumin and low-normal globulin levels.
Ongoing Red Marks on the Glans Penis Since Late 2021
Age/Gender: 19 years old, male, uncircumcised Duration: Symptoms have persisted since October or November of 2021. Symptoms Overview: - There are red marks present predominantly on the glans penis, with occasional appearances on the inner foreskin. - There is no itching involved. - Touching the area does not cause pain, though there is some mild discomfort. - No signs of discharge, swelling, or urinary difficulties have been reported. Symptom Pattern: The red marks cycle in appearance, lasting for approximately 2 to 3 months, followed by a similar duration without symptoms, before reappearing. Background Information: This condition first became apparent shortly after engaging in unprotected sexual activity in 2021. Initially, a physician proposed the possibility of a yeast infection in my partner, but subsequent fungal testing yielded negative results. There was one occasion when using a specific hygiene solution (which I can no longer access locally) was effective in eliminating the symptoms for around six months; however, they eventually reappeared. Current Condition: As of now, the red marks have returned, and there’s a mild redness noted on the foreskin as well, but no new symptoms have emerged. Inquiry: I am seeking potential explanations for these symptoms and any recommendations for tests or treatments that could lead to a lasting solution. Due to the location I reside in, where securing a medical appointment can take a long time, I would greatly appreciate any interim management advice for this issue.
Concerns After Potentially Ingesting a Piece of Plastic
Age: 22 years, Weight: 116 lbs In brief, my boyfriend accidentally shattered one of those Starbucks cups, but I continued to use it regardless. I filled it with ice yesterday and drank from it. This morning, I added more beverage without ice to take my vitamins. Toward the end of my drink, I noticed a sharp sensation as I sipped and quickly realized there was a piece of plastic. I spat it out, discovering it on the floor. Now I’m worried: is it possible I ingested part of the plastic last night when I had it with the ice or when I took my vitamins this morning? Should I be concerned about this? I've been fasting as part of my diet and had some sparkling drinks to cope with my empty stomach. I did eat bread and vegetables last night. Should I consider going to the emergency room for this? The piece of plastic I expelled was about the size of a horizontal fingernail.
Is This Healing Properly?
I’m a 17-year-old female weighing 103 kg and I don’t smoke. I underwent a tonsillectomy yesterday, and I’m concerned about whether my recovery is on track. Can anyone tell if this appears to be healing properly, or could there be an infection?