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FAQ: Adult Orthodontics

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Adult Orthodontics Ask The Dentist James Awbrey

Question:
Braces again at age 52 causes pain: I had braces 30 years ago. Because of lower front crowding, I decided to have them again at age 52.

Several days after they put the first wire on my bands (memory wire), my front teeth began shifting up and off-center to one side. My face became numb and began twitching.

The lower jaw fought the upper jaw. My brain did not seem to work the same. I became anxious. The orthodontist thought the teeth were centered but they were off-center from my nose.

It was like torture. I cut the wires myself after 2 weeks.

The "distorted" feelings IMMEDIATELY improved. Yet, are not quite centered as before and still a bit distorted. Will they go back on their own or what should be done now to go back to before? ....Visitor from MI

Answer:
This is a common occurence.

I will assure you that your teeth are not getting off center. The first thing I tell all my adult patients when they first get their braces put on is the next morning your bite is going to be off.

So please don't be alarmed because some teeth move faster than others, but things are going to improve over time as the teeth begin to straighten.

You have been biting comfortable for nearly 30 years and now things have changed. Your range of tolerance as an adult is small and so this small change you are feeling makes you anxious and disturbed.

When treating adults I always warn them about this small change, but give it time..... things will improve as the teeth begin to straighten. Orthodontic treatment for adults sometimes requires a good bit of patience.

James J. Awbrey, D.M.D.
4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 200
Alpharetta, Georgia GA 30004
(770) 751-1688

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