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My herbst appliance and braces

  • 01-05-2011 5:09pm
    #1
    LisaRoy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 59 ✭✭


    In January of 2010, i went for my consultation for braces with a well known Orthodontist in Galway City. Got the x-rays done and pictures. The whole lot. The orthodontist said i would have to have the herbst appliance fitted for 6 months and then braces for a year. I thought it sounded ok as my bite was pretty off. But my teeth weren't bad at all.. Just to teeth pushed slightly back. I was happy with 18 months as another ortho had said 2 years.

    Due to exams and moving home for college i didn't start treatment till October 2010. I got regular train tracks on my bottom teeth and clear braces on the top teeth. But they are only on my first 8 teeth to allow space for the herbst appliance. Then a month later the brackets for the herbst was fitted and then the bars were connected a week later, this was to allow me to get used to all the new metal in my mouth. I adjusted after a week and went back every 2 months or so to keep the pressure on my jaw. The ortho seemed happy as it was going well. He did mention i need to pay more attention to my gums, which i have.

    So at my last appointment, i had the herbst on for 5 months. I asked my orthodontist if i'd be getting it off at my next appointment. He said no way was that possible as it takes at least 9 moths for any jaw realignment to occur and that it could possibly be up to a year. I just sat there shocked. He had said 6 months. How could it have doubled? When i asked him he just said he never said 6 months. Could it be because i didn't take care of my gums? I know this is a very trivial matter, but i feel so stupid for getting my hopes up and i'd love to go back to eating normal foods as the herbst is a nightmare to eat with.

    So basically now my treatment is 25 months for what i would consider a minor problem. I'm 19 by the way and will be getting them off just as i turn 21 :( Sorry for my rant, i'm not sure what i'm even asking. But do i have options?


Comments

  • #2
    day dreamer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 599 ✭✭✭day dreamer


    Hi there

    Without seeing you or having been there during your appointments nobody can say who is right or wrong.

    However treatment to correct a jaw problem in adults is difficult and time consuming. It might appear a minor problem but can still take some time to correct. The approximate duration should have been made clear at the start and if there is a change in this it should be made clear too.

    9-12 months for a Herbst appliance is the standard time I am afraid and any gum problems would not really affect this. Gum problems will affect the health of your teeth and appearance so it is essential that you keep excellent oral hygiene and clean gums.

    Explain it to your orthodontist and see how the misunderstaning occurred. You could probably have the appliances removed sooner but the outcome would be better if you keep them on. I feel you should stick at it, it will be longer than you had hoped but you will have the results for a lifetime.

    good luck


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