I haven't seen orthodontist in 9 months. Advice anyone.

[Mellow85]

Hi,

I'm concerned because I haven't been to the orthodontist in 9 months. I have braces. I need to go back but it would be after I start working again.

If anybody has any advice to what I could do about my four upper front teeth since there are gaps on the sides and they are moving into the gaps causing a lingering pain thats been present for about 3 days. I'm not saying I have buck teeth, but I will if I don't do something about it. I didn't have buck teeth when I started braces treatment. I have put some wax to make up for the fillings since I got extractions and the front teeth are just moving into the empty spaces. I hope I wasn't confusing but just imagine not getting braces treated for that long and the results include what is common.

[Sunny]

Welcome to the forum Mellow.

My advice is get back to your ortho as soon as possible. I can't begin to imagine what might happen to teeth that have braces and no orthodontic attention for nine months. Four months is fine, but there are many things that need to be checked after four months and many orthodontist's prefer to have less time between appointments with 6-8 weeks still being the preferred gap by most, so they can keep an eye on oral hygiene and also what's happening with a persons movement.

About the gaps, do you mean you've had your canine teeth extracted?

Good luck seeing an ortho and if this is a financial issue, please talk to the ortho about it.

[Mellow85]

Thanks for the response Sunny,

Yes my canine teeth where extracted and I have to figure out what to do. Maybe tighten the front teeth myself with wiring or something. Haha I'm going through financial hardship. I just need some quick ideas.

[Sunny]

Please don't try and do anything to your teeth like wiring or using rubber bands. If you move the teeth incorrectly, you can cause more damage and the roots of your teeth may become shortened, which can lead to tooth lose. It really isn't worth trying to do, what orthodontist's take many years to learn. Plus they need x-rays, specialised treatment plans, equipment and machines to aid them with this work.

Sorry you're having money problems, but can you phone your ortho and explain this and ask for guidance. They may be able to help you work out some form of payment plan.

Most important ... please don't do anything to your teeth, that hasn't been prescribed under the guidance of your orthodontist.

[mariahfromchicago]

Mellow, I hope you aren't serious about tightening the front teeth, that can do harm.

[Zoso]

Perhaps you should explore options such as Care Credit.

[Mellow85]

Not really trying to mimic orthodontic procedures. It's the pain that I want to eliminate. So I want to use string to keep them together.

[Zoso]

And what makes you believe that some half-baked "self-orthodontia" will make them feel better, as opposed to causing massive damage and yet more pain?