Possible herbst problem

[carrielyns]

I'm trying to figure out if I need to call the ortho or not. I hate calling dr's office... I like to stick things out if I can. I know there are some orthodontic assistants on here and hopefully one of you will have a good guess as to whether or not I should call.

Bear with me as I'm not even sure how to articulate the issue!

I have the fixed Herbst appliance, which is attached to molars with metal bands. On the crown of the molars, rather than a hole made by the band, there is some sort of compound, I'm guess to prevent food from getting between my teeth and band (thus turning the bands in to crowns, covering the entire molar). This compound has come off of one of my molars, leaving a somewhat sharp edge around the band, causing slight chaffing with my tongue.

More importantly, this morning when I woke up I could feel the band had shifted down the tooth (this is the top right molar) so it's no longer bonded (maybe it never was bonded, I'm not sure). I was able to push it back in to place with my thumb.

My next (and first) adjustment isn't until the end of August. Do I call?

[Zoso]

Call.

If that band's loose, then food and bacteria would readily get trapped between the band and the tooth and that would be bad news.

[carrielyns]

Thanks Zoso. That's my main concern as well. Guess I'll be calling the ortho in the morning!

[Sunny]

Definitely give your ortho a call! If the band is loose, you need to call immediately so that it can be checked to prevent damage to the enamel of the tooth the band is round.

Please never feel bad about calling your ortho's office, as this is part of the service they offer to patients.

Good luck!

[carrielyns]

I called, I'm going in.

[Sunny]

Good for you!