Hello,

My daughter just got her braces off yesterday and her teeth protrude in the front. She has worn braces for 5+ years and has had two sets. The orthodontist said that there is significant root shortening, so he had to take them off. Has anyone ever heard of that?

Yes, Ortho knows what he is talking about. Wearing the braces more then five years has limited the tooth root's ability to regenerate (too much trauma to the teeth). This should not be allowed to happen or it will result in the loss of teeth eventually. There are other ways of having straight teeth in the front, it not until maturity, which is permanent crowns on healthy teeth with good stable roots.

Yes. Make sure your daughter sees her regular dentist for X-rays and a possible referral to a specialist. Don't wait.

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

Yes. Make sure your daughter sees her regular dentist for X-rays and a possible referral to a specialist. Don't wait.

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The Ortho is a specialist who doesn't proceed without x Rays. This is how he knows the roots are retarded for this person's age group. The braces were on too long, possibly because of not enough attention and follow up possibly.

it would help to know how old the child is, of course.

Teens or younger are not too diligent with this very expensive procedure, as you probably know, teach.

I've had many years of orthodontia, both as a child and as an adult. Yes, the orthodontist is a specialist but I believe a visit to a dental specialist is in order. The orthodontist removed the braces, but I did not see any mention of treatment. A referral to a periodontist or an endodonist may be needed. Often, the general dentist must refer to the specialists in the case of insurance companies in the U.S. The goal is to save the teeth, whether the patient is an adult or child.