phase 2 of orthodontia-2nd opinion?

[Anonymous]

I am wondering about doing (or not) "phase 2" of orthodontia. My son had a prominent overbite, which was fixed with braces and he has had a retainer for a couple of years now. i think his bite looks great. Our ortho had told us, at the beginning, that he may or may not need a "phase 2". Now it seems like the ortho is pushing us to do it. Son #2 is needing ortho work now (and has started with the same ortho- whom I like) and now needs 2500 dollars worth of oral surgery (long story but 3 opinions concur and I do feel it is necessary--different dr will do it- not the ortho).
To be honest- the financial part of it is really too much right now. In a couple of years our financial situation will change (I am a student right now) and I think we could do phase 2 and whatever is needed.
But then I feel badly about having son 1 GET braces at age 15 when if we did it now they could be off by then.
And I also wonder if it is really necessary. How would I get a 2nd opinion? Wouldn't all local orthos agree? And then I need the molds and xrays from the ortho... what do I do? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

He can also get them at 25, or 40, or whenever.

What does it mean that the money is tight? That's for you to decide.


No, it is not the case they will all agree. You can get the second opinion from a dentist - they know how to make the judgment, and since orthodontists feel we ALL could be improved, they would all support more ortho.

You just call the dentists of your friends and ask. You pay the consult fee, and you are done. If you have impressions, bring them.

[Anonymous]

I got braces in 3rd grade was told by 6th grade I wouldnt have them. Well that was a lie so from 3rd-7th grade I had braces they took them off and then I had a gum graph surgery. Done while I was awake totatlly painful. Dr. didn't care I cried the whole time. Ruined my trust in dental care. After a few months I was back in braces until the end of 9th grade.

I was told I need them again, along with another gum graph. Personally I am putting it off. My teeth are almost straight but the alignment is getting messed up.

If your son needs them get them but them again I am 28 and it will be phase 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got braces in 3rd grade was told by 6th grade I wouldnt have them. Well that was a lie so from 3rd-7th grade I had braces they took them off and then I had a gum graph surgery. Done while I was awake totatlly painful. Dr. didn't care I cried the whole time. Ruined my trust in dental care. After a few months I was back in braces until the end of 9th grade.

I was told I need them again, along with another gum graph. Personally I am putting it off. My teeth are almost straight but the alignment is getting messed up.

If your son needs them get them but them again I am 28 and it will be phase 3.

I am the OP and now I am totally freaked out by your post. My ds #2, who is 9, needs gum graft surgery (he is not the one I was originally writing about with the orthodontia question). He has a congenital thing where the gum line is very very low (below the "pink line"?) and has been under the care of a periodontist for a year. I can see the gum line getting lower, and feel very confident that he needs the work, but now I am dreading it for him. She said they will give him valium (at home before going), numb it, and laughing gas. Also, pain meds afterwards. he will be home for a few days. She said the most painful part is usually the site from where they take the graft, and he has a retainer which will cover and protect it so it should not be so bad. But your description of the surgery is making my stomach churn. Is it really that awful? and did your periodontist do what ours is saying she will do to make it not so bad?

[Anonymous]

OP, I don't have extensive experience with oral surgery, but when I had my wisdom teeth taken out, I was conscious, but had plenty of numbing meds. I didn't feel a thing, despite the fact that I could see what they are doing.

Hopefully you can observe your son, but I imagine if you discuss with periodontist she can assuage some concerns.

[Anonymous]

Hello

I am the PP with the gum graph surgery. Actually my wisdom teeth I was knocked out so that was a better situation. I felt every cut in the top of my mouth. I had this done at 13.

I talked to someone who was actually put to sleep during theres it was a better situation. They had it done at childrens. I found out later because I was under 16 I should have been put to sleep.

I got laughing gas and nubbing stuff. I would say i would insist he be knocked out.

[Anonymous]

I did have pain meds afterwards but I felt the whole surgery. I have a high tolerance for pain. I have broken bones before and it didnt hurt as much. I had nose surgery to fix a broken nose still nothing was worse.