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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Teens and braces

21 replies

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 04/04/2020 17:01

Both of my DC (15&13) have fixed braces. 15 year old was supposed to be ending treatment very soon. 13 year old's teeth look like they're shifting badly now they're 2 weeks overdue a check up/adjustment and her brackets look too close to her gums now.

Aibu to think there's nothing I can do about this and they'll just have to accept that their treatment is going to go on longer than originally planned as teeth will continue shifting unnecessarily?

Their orthodontist is, understandably, emergencies only so I guess we're stuck with over adjusted teeth for a few months?

I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can come along and reassure me that they aren't going to end up worse off than when they started!

OP posts:
Worsthomeschoolteacherever · 04/04/2020 17:09

Same situation here. Appointment cancelled for last week and new appointment given for end of May and said they have no idea if that will go ahead! Think treatment will just be longer having to correct anything that’s gone wrong but 🤷‍♀️

SunshineCake · 04/04/2020 17:10

Our son was due to have his brace removed next week and I was texted yesterday to say they have shut. I am concerned too that all the good work will be ruined if the brace stays on longer than they planned. Having said that, I am confident they will fix any negative results of this necessary delay.

olivo · 04/04/2020 17:12

Same here too, last weeks apt cancelled and next end of June.
Thing we can do really. Shame, as she was looking forward to if going but I guess there may be things to correct again by then.

Original poster
sparepantsandtoothbrush · 04/04/2020 17:17

15 year old was really looking forward to having them removed and I just know when he eventually has an appointment they'll say he needs them on longer. I know nothing can be done but it's so frustrating. We're also paying privately so will be paying for treatment longer than originally planned!

OP posts:
Cissyandflora · 04/04/2020 17:20

They can’t really be over corrected. So it’s a nuisance but nothing more. It would be worse to be at the stage of braces removed and retainers not fitted.

SunshineCake · 04/04/2020 17:55

That is reassuring, *@Cissyandflora, thank you.

ManchesterChidless · 04/04/2020 18:21

Hi. Ex dental assistant.

Relax. There will be no issues with their teeth.

@sparepantsandtoothbrush did you not get a price upfront? Surely you are only paying that over your visits to make it easier to budget rather than every visit?

@sunchinecake why would all the “good work” be undone? NHs patients can go to their orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. I went every 4 weeks. Doesn’t mean their treatment is lesser.

I’ve read all the other replies, can mums tell me why they think treatment will get worse?

Tinty · 04/04/2020 18:26

My Dd was due her last tightening of the top brace last week. I’m just assuming that it will take a bit (lot) longer before she gets them off. To the PP who said her DS was due to have them taken off, surely they will just be like fixed retainers for a while longer.

NotSorry · 04/04/2020 18:27

Same problem here - DS last saw orthodontist in February and was due to have them taken off beginning May - got given new appointments for mid-July. I've told him to be super careful as we really don't want to have to go for an emergency appointment - can't be helped

Mrsmorton · 04/04/2020 18:28

Ex dentist. Think of braces as being active for 4-6 weeks. At the end of that period, the wires get changed and they are reactivated. If the wire isn't changed, they just stop being active and become passive retainers. So things will stay as they are. So don't worry. Just very important to keep things clean and try hard not to break things or knock off a bracket. That will change things and could cause a bit of relapse.

MrAlyhakinsMassiveYacht · 04/04/2020 18:31

We had our what was supposed to be the last tightening appointment cancelled for next week but the one after which was the taking off remains in place. The ones after that though are to make the retainer and fit it - I'd rather they kept the fixed braces on than have them taken off and move back without an overnight retainer or retainer wire. DD's first orthodontist got struck off after a year of treatment and we had to start again - she's livid about having them for even longer, again.

ChicCroissant · 04/04/2020 18:33

My DD has a fixed brace and the tightenings are only every 10 to 12 weeks. She has one due this month (possibly the last tightening) and I'm expecting wondering if that will be cancelled. I don't think it will affect her teeth as they will just stay as they are unless the brace breaks. It would be nice to finish the treatment this academic year though!

Mrsmorton · 04/04/2020 18:34

@MrAlyhakins struck off? Very unusual for orthodontists to be struck off. Lots of people on MN have dentists who've been "struck off", wonder if there's a link.

"Livid" about a first world problem is a huge privilege.

Original poster
sparepantsandtoothbrush · 04/04/2020 19:08

@sparepantsandtoothbrush did you not get a price upfront? Surely you are only paying that over your visits to make it easier to budget rather than every visit

Oh yes I think you're right! Sorry, I've got cabin fever and have made a few silly mistakes like that the last few days

@Mrsmorton thank you for your explanation. If the wires just aren't doing anything once they get to where they should be then all is good. I'm just concerned about one of the 13 year olds teeth as it seems to be poking out more than before but maybe it needs to do that before going in to its final position

OP posts:
ManchesterChidless · 04/04/2020 19:38

@Mrsmorton don’t worry about the way the teeth look. They are in fixed braces, the best type of braces. They can have no work done for many months and it’s no issue. Your orthodontist will fiddle with the wires and that’s it.

What you need to be more aware of is dental hygiene. Make sure they are brushing their teeth after eating.

Mrsmorton · 04/04/2020 19:41

@manchesterchidless not sure that's for me. I'm a dentist trying to provide reassurance

Mrsmorton · 04/04/2020 19:43

@sparepantsandtoothbrush orthodontists are wizards at their trade, I'm sure it's all part of the plan. The ones I know are all exceptionally frustrating turbo perfectionists.

ChicCroissant · 04/04/2020 19:54

I can see why your child would be upset by a second delay to treatment, it's not comfortable and you are looking forward to the end MrAlykins !

Holidayz · 04/04/2020 21:00

My DD was due her bottom wire changed next week. Obviously not happening. Appointment moved to early July.

She has some wire sticking out the back now and I've been advised to cut it at home with some nail clippers.

Not worked up the courage yet. She's happy to leave it until she can't any longer, then we'll try wax.. then resort to snipping

ManchesterChidless · 04/04/2020 21:04

@Mrsmorton wrong tag sorry

Mrsmorton · 04/04/2020 21:06

@Holidayz I've done quite a lot of dentistry with nail clippers etc. My advice is to be bold and make the cut.

Wires digging in is so attritional so don't wait too long before getting stuck in.

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