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
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.
Intense Pain in Left Thumb
Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕