Orthodontist problem - advice please

daisyplant

Hi,
I got my braces removed, upper and lower, in August of this year after 2.5 years. The alignment between the upper and lower sets of teeth seemed a bit off in that there was no overstep of the upper jaw, so teeth were basically sitting on each other iykwim. Orthodontist said to give them a couple of months and if I still wasn't happy with them to go back, have two molars removed and re-install the lower braces.

Orthodontist had mentioned a couple of times during treatment that I would probably need to get two lower teeth removed due to overcrowding but to leave things for another while to see how treatment developed, teeth were never removed.

Anyway, on removing the braces Orthodontist supplied me with retainers and told me to wear them constantly for 4 months. Unfortunately I misplaced the lower ones and due to being extremely busy in work, and on the assumption that I was getting lower braces back on, I neglected to arrange to pick up a replacement for a month. On returning to the Orthodontist last week my lower teeth have now moved considerably.

I assumed that he would now suggest that I have the two teeth removed and have my braces replaced as previously discussed but not the case. He has suggested that I use a stronger retainer and simply have "sanding" between some teeth to create some space.

My issue is that during treatment Orthodontist constantly and rightly gave advice regarding acidic food, drinks etc due to enamel erosion therefor I find it strange to say the least that he is now advising that he scrape the enamel off between my teeth. To be honest I think he is now looking for an easy solution as he has the 5k I paid him. Possibly I am judging him harshly so I would like some opinions please. Has anyone else had this done? thanks, Daisy.

vishal

That's called interproximal reduction (IPR). It is used to create space between your teeth in order to retrocline your lower incisors so that these teeth have better overjet and overbite. It is normally very safe and usually a max of .25 mm of enamel is removed.
Book yourself into another orthodontist for a consult if you have doubts.

NotaDinosaur

Hi there,

Your concerns are completely understandable, but your orthodontist sounds like they are trying to come up with a good solution to you problem. IPR is a very effective method to create space and an excellent alternative to having to remove teeth (far more destructive!)

In skilled hands it can be a very good alternative, but absolutely, get a second opinion of you are worried.

All the best

DetectivFoxtrot

seems to me like you always needed to have the teeth out, what is odd is that he/she didn't do it before starting treatment with the braces. I had two upper molars taken out before I got my braces on and even with that I needed some sanding between my upper 1s and 2s towards the end - which as a previous poster says is nothing to worry about..
going to another ortho for a consult would be extra expense. you've already paid for the current ortho so get your value out of him. Call the practice and tell him you want to come in and discuss your concerns. You need to bear some of the responsibility though re not wearing your retainer. At the moment If I take mine out even for a couple of hours I notice a difference (only have braces off 3 weeks).
btw, getting teeth out, particularly if you have too many and they are causing overcrowding, is no big deal either, so if that is the route you need to take don't worry you'll be fine, though it does means more time with the braces on to close the gaps.

hope it all works out

btkm8unsl0w5r4

OP did you refuse extractions at the begining?