Orthodontal Relapse and Short Roots

Nickers

I had orthodontal treatment as a teenager many years ago, didn’t wear my retainer initially, but then my teeth hurt and I wore it continuously for seven years (until it broke) without ever returning to the orthodontist. My teeth moved but they were adequate. Now, all of a sudden, in the past few weeks my jaws are killing me, teeth are sore and they have moved SO much and my severe overbite is returning. I have root resorption on nearly all my teeth. I’m at a loss on what to do as aesthetically they don’t look good and I can’t chew properly. I did visit an orthodontist years ago and he wouldn’t go near my teeth as roots are too short.

I did have treatment on The Eastern Health Board as a teenager but not sure if they’d take me back as an adult. I’m willing to pay privately, or am I better getting my teeth extracted? Really worried this is going to cause me a lot of hassle.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Right so, sounds like you have a probelm that need sorting. Doubt the HSE will continue treatment so best go private. Go to a regular dentist and get things checked out, if its complicated they will refer you on. Teeth shouldn't move suddenly.

Nickers

Thanks, I’m going to my own dentist on Thursday. Since I got my braces off (in 1991), every few months I get this inflammatory response in my mouth wherein I can feel my teeth move slightly and then they settle. This time it is different, the pain has lasted a few weeks and I am getting awful pains in my chin, teeth, jaws are clicking and my palette is stinging me. I can hear clicking noises from my palette and ears, (like when I had braces) so I know my teeth are relapsing. Plus, I can see it. I think this started to get very bad as I was told I’ve limited mouth opening by an anaesthetist, so I’ve been doing jaw stretches to try and get my mouth opening to 3cm, Since I’ve been doing the stretches this has happened. Also, I used to clench my teeth at night, but now my mouth opens and my top teeth are on my bottom lip.

I was a complicated case as a teenager as I had to wear a cervical headgear (not sure why) and I was congenitally missing my top incisor. They pulled everything together, but now I notice the overbite is back, the front top four teeth protrude, the canine (in place of the incisor) is sticking out further than the other teeth and the two top front teeth are starting to cross over. The premolar beside the canine has rotated. All my lower teeth are crowded. My jaw has deviated to the right and when I bite together my midline is now off by a few millimetres. My gums are all different sizes now too so my teeth look so odd when I smile. Everything is going in reverse now back to the way my teeth were. I notice I’ve had a tongue thrust issue and now and again (out of habit) I thrust my lower jaw forward and it deviates to the right. Didn’t even know I was doing it until my sister commented.

Anyway, I have no problem going privately but my main concern is my very short roots. My own dentist advised me to budget for implants as I may need them down the line, and the private orthodontist who I saw years back said ‘In your case, it’s better to have crooked teeth than no teeth’ so I’m not sure if I’ve actually got any options. I’m not really filled with much confidence...:(

btkm8unsl0w5r4

You ALWAYS have options OP. Modern dentistry is a wonder and for the committed and enthusiastic patient it can perform minor miracles.