DENTAL BRACE QUERY

[ICEQUEEN20]

My teenage daughter is due to have a brace fitted in 4 weeks time, but 3 months ago at her last appointment with the orthodontist he mentioned that she needed 4 teeth removed. I phoned my local dentist today and asked if they had been notified of this as it was getting nearer to having the brace fitted. They knew nothing, and said they usually get a letter from the Orthodontist with details. I phoned the orthodontist and the receptionist said "Oh dont worry the Orthodontist will probably just fit the studs at the first appointment, then the teeth will be removed at a later date...". ???? I really hope that is the case, as I have waited 10 months for the first appointment with the Orthodontist. Does anybody know??? I thought it would have made more sense to remove the teeth first... but I am not expert?? HELP

[lynbrown]

I always feel it unwise to accept what a receptionist tells you as being 100% accurate. I have known them to be wrong. If you cannot speak directly to the orthodentist, write to him and get his reply in writing. Stand your ground.

[lorla]

Does seem backward...I also had 4 teeth removed and then had my braces fitted. The idea was for the brace to move my remaining teeth to close the gaps so can't see how it can be done the other way round.

[karenmac60]

I was told my daughter would probably need teeth out too, but they went ahead and fitted blocks then a few months on, the upper and lower 'traintracks'. She's now had those for about a year and there has been no more mention of removing teeth - I think they would prefer to see how things go and if they can do it without removing teeth, they prefer that. But they let you know that it is an option just in case. But if in doubt - ask.

[jackthehat]

I, too, had 4 teeth removed prior to having my braces (upper and lower) fitted. Unfortunately, the orthodontist miscalculated and I was left with two highly visible, full-sized, gaps directly behind my upper canine teeth. As I continued to grow, so did my jaw and the room for my teeth to be pressed back into appeared naturally, and he hadn't allowed for this.
He did have the grace to fashion a bridge with false teeth to hide these gaps, but the clips to keep it in place were (I felt) just as noticeable as the gaps !

Do confirm that the extractions ARE necessary as reversing the procedure is not easily acheived :o). Perhaps your orthodontist has warned you that eventually, the extractions may be necessary IF the required space doesn't appear naturally.

[ICEQUEEN20]

Thanks everyone. I have today been advised by the dentist that the orthodontist is going to fit the studs first then the dentist will remove 4 teeth at a later date...my daughters teeth are very overcrowded so I think she def needs the teeth removed. Thanks.