Braces are due to come off this week, but I am very unhappy and don't thing they should be coming off, what should I do?(photos)

Question

Hi, My braces are due to be coming off on Wednesday and retainer fitted Thursday but I think that my teeth are far from ready at this moment. I have a bit of an overbite and overall my teeth are not really straight and there are still significantly visible gaps. I have provided photos and would like to know the opinion of doctors here. Thanks in advance!

Curtis B. Bedont, DMD · Answer

Congratulations on being close to finishing your orthodontic treatment! Since you have concerns, I recommend that you talk to your Orthodontist before having the braces removed. It is difficult to assess your overall treatment progress from the pictures, but it appears that the concerns you have may be due to the shape of your teeth and not necessarily the position of them. Your upper lateral incisors appear pointed like a canine (you may have had missing lateral incisors and have canine substitution of them). This can be corrected by reshaping these teeth and possibly adding composite to them. So discuss openly with your Orthodontist and consider your options.

John McDonald, DMD · Answer

Looks like you were/are missing some front teeth.  The person who treated you chose to substitute your canines for you missing teeth, an excellent treatment plan in general.  
That being said, when canine substitution is done, some special considerations must be make to get the tooth positions and gum positions to the place that makes a smile look best.  There also usually needs to be some dentistry done after the braces come off in order to make the canines look like the teeth that they have replaced.
You can do some of your own research.  Look into Smile esthestics regarding gingival margins, also research Canine substitution and the how placement of braces should vary to achieve good smile esthestics.
your orthodontist works for you.  It is his or her job to know the best techniques for different situations.  Ask for a consultation prior to removal of your braces to discuss these issues.

Braces are due to come off this week, but I am very unhappy and don't thing they should be coming off, what should I do?(photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

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Braces are due to come off this week, but I am very unhappy and don't thing they should be coming off, what should I do?(photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.