Adjustment on Monday, getting a heavier gauge wire

[Denise]

So I'm getting a heavier gauge wire on Monday, and I'm wondering if this is going to cause more pain than normal, and what the purpose is. I apologize for my lack of knowledge on these. Right now I have a very thin wire that is 'heat reactive', meaning it works with the heat in the mouth to constantly apply pressure and move the teeth. Cold water is supposed to 'relax' the wire and help relieve pain, but to me, cold water on my wire now feels like a hundred daggers being shoved into my gums. It literally makes me cry it hurts so bad. So I'm wondering, will this heavier gauge wire start to make my teeth straighten more, now that I have some nice big gaps for them, and is it also heat reactive like this thin one? Perhaps I've not provided enough info for anyone to effectively answer this, just seeing if anyone has any info or thoughts to share. This is my second major adjustment, the first was getting this small wire that gave me the gaps in my teeth but don't appear to actually be straightening anything.

Thanks!

[Candymomof3]

All I know is that the heavier gauge wire creates more force on the teeth to shift them, so it can be a little more uncomfortable...I've gone to a heavier wire twice now and noticed a little more stress that night...but quickly adjusted. My ortho used the thin wire to rotate teeth in the beginning, then the action started around your timeline..I'd say about 4 months in...now it's been 7 1/2 months and so much has changed in that time!!!
I love adjustment time!!!
good luck!

[Sunny]

Denise the thin flexible wires do the most work ... and they can be in several different sizes. They are the wires that loosen and straighten the teeth.

Thicker gauge wires can be heat activated ... some are and some aren't. Thicker gauge wires come in a variety of shapes ... round, square, plaited etc. Each type is for a different reason ... some people need one or more ... others don't need any. It all depends on what your bite needs ... for example some archwires are designed for when the teeth are straight, but the roots aren't in the optimum position.

Gaps don't usually close with the archwire, unless they close as a result of a tooth rotating or straightening into the place. Gaps are usually closed with the use of powerchains or elastics ... and it should be a reasonably easy process.

If your gum area is reacting to cold water, you may have developed sensitivity due to some areas of the root of your teeth being exposed. I recommend you use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, to help this area feel better.

Good luck with your next adjustment!