Pulling teeth outwards whilst closing gaps?

[Brace Face]

Hi all

A quick question please.....my teeth are being pulled outwards as they used to slope backwards into my mouth. As they straighten, small gaps appear in two places on the top row. When this happens my ortho pops on a powerchain, the gaps close then he uses 'tie wires' to stop the gaps re-opening whilst the teeth continue to be pulled outwards. The problem is, the tie wires don't always work and the gaps open slightly again and I am beginning to think I am in this endless cycle of 'tie wires, powerchain, tie wires, powerchains'. My question is, when the gaps are being closed does this mean my teeth are not being pulled outwards at the same time?

My ortho assures me that this isn't the case and that progress is being made but I can't help wondering how both pulling outwards and closing gaps can be done at the same time? Also, the gaps seem to be taking longer to close now which is worrying. Anyone know how this works?

[Denise]

I don't know but I'm kind of going through the same thing. First we had to align my midline, which ok I understand. Everything is good with that now...but now he is pulling my right jaw out so it protrudes over my bottom teeth just a little bit more. Meanwhile a gap is opening up between my front teeth. But my laterals which were totally crooked are not straightening at all. Plus I had a tooth on my left side pulled and the gap is VERY slowly closing, but I don't see any progress being made in the last few months on that either. It almost feels like I keep wearing different elastics configurations and nothing happens. I know it probably is, and I just can't see it, but man is it annoying. I just want this all over with.

[Sunny]

BF teeth don't always move together at the same time. Movement like you describe may take a bit of - movement, powerchains, wire ties etc ... and it's best to have this done as you progress, rather than wait for one stage to be corrected, as things may change that way also.

The type of movement you describe is going in two directions ... out and across for the gaps ... which can be done at the same time.

Good luck!

[Brace Face]

Thanks Sunny, that makes me feel much better. I was beginning to think I was just going backwards and forwards and that I was going to be in braces for the rest of my life Any news on when yours are coming off? It's soon isn't it? Good luck.

[Sunny]

Hopefully within the next few months. Just a couple of things that my ortho wants to try to correct a little more ... although I'm thinking that we may have to agree this will be as good as it can get, and I'm more than happy with that!

[Brace Face]

Here's to you getting them off very soon Sunny (in a manner of speaking)

Hang in there Denise...not long now!