Question:

I`m 44 and have had braces on for about 19 months. I just recently had the lower braces removed and a permanent retainer put in. The bottom teeth appear straight and I feel like I have a good solid bite. My concern is that I still have quite a bit on an overjet of my four front upper teeth. My Doctor just disced around the four teeth to create some space and put a power chain on to help pull them back. He also put on a custom wire to pull the two front teeth up and then in because they are hitting the two front lower teeth. I`m conerned that the overjet is still pretty severe (more difficult to tell when the lower braces were still on) and he will not be able to pull the four front teeth in far enough because of the position of the lower teeth and due to the fact that the lower braces are now off and I cannot wear rubberbands to assist in the movement. Is it more difficult to move the upper four front teeth in without braces on the lower teeth? Is it unrealistic to expect the four front teeth to vertical (or at least appear vertical)?

Answer:

Actually it should be easier since no lower brackets obstruct the space. I think your doctor is on the right track to slenderize the teeth. I would encourage you to ask him if he can slenderize all of the teeth forward of the first molars. That should give another millimeter or so to work with.

For more information:

Go to the Braces health topic.