After what felt like the millionth orthodontist telling me surgery was the only option to fix both my problems, I was feeling pretty disappointed. Then it occurred to me that not all orthodontists practice with the latest technologies, instead using only their tried-and-true treatments. It was up to me to catch up on the last 10 years of orthodontic developments and find practitioners who actually used them. Again, I want to stress the importance of using credible sources like studies, papers, and simulations published by universities or orthodontists to find the most accurate information, and consulting with practicing professionals on treatment plans. So began my meticulous, exhausting research....
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I had Phase I braces treatment when I was about 11 or 12 years old to fix some crowding and alignment, and to close my open bite. My orthodontist said I could only fix the open bite with surgery when I finished growing around 16 or 17. I never wanted to do the surgery and just hoped there would be better solutions in the future. Fast forward to May 2015: my wonky teeth were starting to really bother me and I decided to revisit orthodontics. Over the next few months I went on 20+ orthodontic consults with various private practices in my area, systematically being told I have a serious anterior open bite and posterior crossbite that could only be fixed with surgery. I just could not accept that so I took it into my own hands to do some thorough research on my orthodontic issues and look for other options. My key takeaway here- look for credible sources of information, and have an orthodontist explain it to you if you are not clear on the findings. Because I have some knowledge of scientific terminology, I understood clinical studies on experimental treatment plans for two of the trickiest issues in orthodontics, both of which I happened to have. I poured over videos, studies, anatomy diagrams and more until I understood whatever I could about the mechanics behind my malocclusion. I quickly learned how versatile the human jaw and teeth are- by responding to our genetics, biology and behavioral habits throughout our lives. Jaw and dental health can affect everything from digestion, to respiration, to posture and more. It's fascinating! Read more for information I've gathered about open bites and posterior crossbites.....
Hi! My name is Divya- I am 23 and live in California. I just began my adult orthodontic journey and created this blog to share my personal experience, and I hope it will be a resource to others with similar issues. In the midst of my research I really wanted to read more about people’s experiences with their treatment, but there aren't too many progress blogs. I think my case is pretty interesting and unique- if all goes well, a previously surgery-only case could be fixed non-invasively!........
That being said, please keep these two major points in mind while reading:
1) I am not an orthodontist and have no educational training in orthodontics. I cannot advise on any treatment. Please consult a professional for your personal treatment options. 2) I found and used clinical research studies, and numerous orthodontic consults, as my primary sources of information throughout my fact-finding process. I supplemented my learning with articles, simulation videos, forums, etc. I will include hyperlinks wherever I can to show my sources ( I must have read through 100+ sources, I'll just link some key findings). Feel free to like/comment along the way! Happy reading :) |
DIVYAJoin me on my journey with adult orthodontics! :) Categories
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