amount of time wearing braces

[seeeiii]

hi. just recently subscribed to the forum. hope i can learn some new things from the people who frequent here.

for various complicated reasons, i've been wearing braces for almost 8 years now. i've never given too much thought about it, but is there any health risk associated with having braces for such a long amount of time? i've been wearing the regular metallic ones. anyway, i'm up for a jaw surgery due to an underbite that i have, which is the main reason why i had the braces in the first place.

so, could anyone here, professional or otherwise inform me if having braces for 8 years straight is something that shouldn't have been done?

[Denise]

I can't think of any reason there would be health risks. Your orthodontist is a medical trained professional, so if there were, he/she would surely tell you. I work with a woman who has had her braces on for five years and she has another year to go (at least). So I know it's not uncommon to have them for a very long time. Good luck with the jaw surgery. Hopefully your recovery and progression are quick!!

[Stephanie]

I agree with denise... there should not be any health concerns. I personally had tooth sensitivity that I think was caused by braces, but no one knows for sure and I remedied it with a good flouride mouth wash.

Good for you on hanging in there and getting your underbite fixed.

I recommend you start your blog:

Braces Forums - Blogs

this will pay it forward for those that are in the same position as you.

[Sunny]

Seeeiii the main problem I'm aware of if you're having long orthodontic treatment is to the roots of the teeth. The more they're moved, the higher the risk of root reabsorption. As long as your ortho is having regularly x-rays done of your teeth, they will be watching for this.

Good luck with your surgery and no longer having an underbite!