Hello all!
To give a little backstory, I decided to get braces a couple years ago because one of my canines was a bit further up than the rest of my teeth and I was always self conscious about it when I smiled. Initially I did not want to get extractions(who does?) But I saw 4 or 5 orthodontists and they all said that I would need them. Eventually I gave in and went ahead with the extractions. Fast forward to now, where I'm getting my braces off in a couple weeks.
My teeth turned out mostly fine, I mean I'd love a wider arch and more a more "toothy" smile, but I'm generally okay with how the treatment went. My face didn't really change if it did, it's more for the positive. I'm asian so I have a large amount of soft tissue in my face, and if anything the braces or perhaps aging (I'm 22 now), made my face a little more defined.
My question is how to go about the rest of my life. I've been mewing pretty constantly for a year with the braces ons, and I can tell my arch has gotten wider even though the braces are still on. Every time the orthodontic staff has to put the wire back on, it's a bit hard to fit. When I get my braces off should I just forget the retainer and go straight to mewing? Or should I use the retainer for a little while to get my teeth steady, then abandon it?
Since I had extractions, I'm a little worried about creating gaps in my teeth. I feel even right now with the braces on, If I mew hard for a while, I can create a gap between my front two teeth.
Anyways, I'd love for everyones feedback! I can post pictures of now and before extractions as well, if it'll help.
Thanks!
Yes, I realize that now. Care to explain it to the 5 orthodontists that I saw? What's done is done, and I don't think I'll pay for implants. What I'm wondering is what I can do now. Will mewing cause gaps to occur in my teeth?
Implants will actually make things worse because I believe they are fixed into the bone.
I read someone suggesting in another thread that you should leave your retainer in for a a while after getting your braces removed. Gives your teeth a chance to set.
To be honest, mewing has created more spaces in my front top teeth. When I went into it, I kind of just accepted that it might happen. For me, practicing proper tongue posture is about fixing function and form, not necessarily creating perfectly straight teeth. Mewing is supposed to create straight teeth, but not necessarily like an orthodontist would create. I don't know if that makes sense. If I am unhappy with my teeth in the future, I figure I can always get them straightened out with some sort of appliance or “traditional” method.
Since you are just getting your braces off, I can see why you would not want to create spaces at this point. There are retainers that only fit on the front four or six teeth. You could look into that option.
Skull and Jaw Correction
Join hundreds who are Tensegrity Mewing, enhancing the good results of mewing and reversing damage. Free Newsletter and Classes
Your email is safe with us, we don’t spam