I've had braces for almost 2 years. Why are my last teeth still sticking out. My ortho seems to be already "satisfied." (photo)

Question

As you can see, there isn't any bracket on my last tooth. I did point out to my ortho but he said the back teeth are difficult to move & it's okay to leave it as it is. He also told me not to worry as long as the biting is correct. I was somewhat convinced till recently I've been experiencing serious biting issues such as biting my own cheeks both left & right (causing ulceration) It's beginning of Nov now & I was told that I can take em off by Nov or Dec. Can this be corrected within 2 months?

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

It looks like you had four bicuspids removed for your orthodontic treatment.  This is called contraction orthodontics.  A better alternative is to orthpopedically grow your jaws larger so all teeth fit into your arches without amputations.I would suggest looking into a DNA Appliance to orthopedically grow your posterior maxillat to allow proper arch form, a wide U as opposed to a V.You had contraction orthodontics that crowds the tongue and can cause headaches, migraines, TMJ disorders, snoring and sleep apnea.  Ideally orthopedic widening is done in children 3-8 years of age.  In adults the DNA Appliance allows orthopedic growth while wearing an appliance only 12-14 hours/ dayIra L Shapira DDSChair, American Allegience of TMD OrganizationsDiplomat, American Academy of Pain ManagementDiplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineFellow & Regent, International College of CranioMandibular OrthopedicsThinkBetterLife.com

Tracy Li Cheung, DDS, MS · Answer

It appears that you do not have brackets and wires that extend to your second molars. Without any appliances on your last molars, those molars may not move along with the other teeth. Let your Orthodontist know your observations such as your cheek biting.

I've had braces for almost 2 years. Why are my last teeth still sticking out. My ortho seems to be already "satisfied." (photo)

Answers (2)