Expert: Steven Litwin DDS - 7/3/2009

Question
I’m a 16 year old currently in orthodontic treatment. Here is
a little background on my teeth; when I was younger I had a
palate expander, then a year later my ortho removed that and
gave me a retainer which I wore occasionally for 4 years
before I got braces and a forsus appliance. Then he put metal
springs in my archwire. I had that going on in my mouth for a
while then two year ago he took out the forsus. 6 months ago
he gave me elastics and told me to wear them all the time. Now
he has given me 2 more elastics in addition to the other two
so I can barely open my mouth.  I’ve now had my braces for 4
years and there still not off not to mention the expander
which ripped apart my palate. I’m just curious, is this is all
part of a normal orthodontic treatment and how you would have
treated me or a case similar to mine?

Answer
Hi Robert,

Thanks for the question. Robert, I agree with you that being in treatment for 4 years is a very long time and not the usual amount of time in most cases. Robert, unfortunately I do not have the luxury of evaluating your case from where you started to where you are now. I would need the original models taken of your teeth when you started treatment, xrays, photos and other things to see what exactly the issues were then and are now. Even though I cant give you the answer you are looking for here is what I would do. Tell your parent(s) that you are very concerned about what is taking so long. Go ahead and tell them that you contacted me because you are so concerned and upset. Then I would ask your parent(s) if they would take you to another orthodontist just to have an evaluation/opinion on where you stand with treatment and see if he/she would do anything differently and why. This person will have the advantage of having access to the records I mentioned above and should be able to give you and your parent(s) and accurate answer. Robert, I wish I could give you my treatment advice but I hope you understand that without these records I cannot do such. Now with this being said, just be prepared that if your parent(s) agree to bring to for a second opinion that you might here what you  do not want to hear - stay the course. This may happen so just be prepared. Regardless of what happens I know that you are burned out and just want it all to stop. Being 16 and in high school is not a time that anyone wants to have braces let alone any appliances. But you have come this far so dont quit It may be hard for you to realize but it will be over soon and then you have the rest of your life to enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth and a great smile. Hang in there and best of luck. If I can be of any further help do not hesitate to contact me.

Steve Litwin DDS