Another Question About the Braces

Updated on February 08, 2012
V.M. asks from Conneaut, OH
5 answers

I know i could call the orthodontist, but i just called them about the swollen gums and they treated me a bit funny like they were annoyed with the question. I know i probably imagined it, but that is why i am asking here again first.

DS is 8 has braces, brackets on the four front teeth and the wraparound bracket thing on the back molars. He lost the tooth next to the four front ones with the brackets on them, this lost tooth does not have a bracket.

so do i need to call and tell them since it would possibly mess up the spacing??? he has an appointment in a week and a half.

thoughts??

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

His teeth won't shift much in just a week and a half so you could wait. But if it bothers you, yes, do call them and just say "I wanted to let you know in advance of the checkup so you can take a good look at this...."

If your orthodontist's office treats you dismissively for asking questions, even basic ones, tell the boss. If it's the assistants or the office staff doing this, tell the orthodontist himself or herself. I would usually say ditch the doctor and find another if the staff is acting like questions are just too much trouble to answer, but in the case of an orthodontist, you usually have a fairly long-term treatment plan in place so I'd be less likely to say "I'm finding a new practice." But do not let them dismiss you or treat you like they think questions are silly. Questions are questions and are never silly; you're paying good money and deserve respectful answers! The one time you don't ask a question because you're worried they'll be annoyed could be the one time the question is important and might have required an extra office visit right away. Ask when you need to and don't take attitude.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Redding on

If the tooth he lost didn't have a bracket, was it expected that he would lose it? If so, they will probably just tighten the braces at the next appointment.

My daughter was in a lot of pain when she got her braces and they had to tighten them. It's no fun.
It's just my guess though that if there was never a bracket on the tooth that they anticipated it being lost. They usually do full x-rays and have a pretty good idea of what all the teeth will do and anticipate dealing with spacing, etc.

My daughter actually had to have teeth pulled before getting her braces because of crowding issues. A good ortho is usually pretty on top of these things.
I would call and let them know he lost a tooth just to have it documented in his chart and they will tell you to come in or he'll be just fine until his next appointment.

Best wishes.

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L.

answers from Cleveland on

I've worked in orthodontics for 42 years. At our office, there are no dumb qiestions and whoever answers the phone will ask the office staff if they don't know the answer to a question.
That said, you don't need to worry about the lost baby tooth. The braces will hold the space.
Call the office anytime you have a question. They understand that this type of treatment is not something you are experienced in and should be happy that you are keeping an eye on things at home between visits.
Supervise the toothbrushing...my own kids were very poor toothbrushers and one of them ended up with decalcification on her front teeth!

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K.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

One of my children had the same setup because he still had teeth to lose. the brackets were designed to hold the needed teeth in place so that when he lost the teeth he needed to the other teeth wouldn't shift. Since he has an appointment coming up, heshould be ok.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D..

answers from Charlotte on

I'd take him in and just ask them to eyeball it. The person on the phone has nothing to do with this - push so that you get your questions answered.

Good luck!
Dawn

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