Groan. I need dental braces as an adult... many questions. [more inside]
posted by lottie on Jul 31, 2008 - 10 answers

My invisalign-type retainer has broken and I won't see my orthodontist for months! What should I do? [more inside]
posted by nervestaple on May 15, 2006 - 3 answers

I went to the orthodontist this morning, he recommended invisalign. I know nothing about invisalign except that it is really, really expensive. I'd like to hear about your experiences with it, if possible. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by echo0720 on Mar 2, 2006 - 16 answers

I recently found out at the dentist's office that I have "retained deciduous teeth." (I still have a bunch of baby molars, and their adult counterparts are still up in my face and behind my furthest-back current teeth) I have to go in for more x-rays next month, but the dentist mentioned orthodontics and seemed amazed by the whole thing, so now I'm anxious. Anyone ever deal with this?
posted by juniper on Jan 27, 2006 - 22 answers

Orthodontics for slackers; I have a lower retainer (metal wire affixed at each end to a tooth with a metal band, behind the teeth) which was installed around the age of 14. It was supposed to be in place for six months or a year, something in that vicinity. My family moved and it was never taken out; I'm now 21. Is this harmful or just annoying? How painful and expensive will it be to have it removed?
posted by IshmaelGraves on Jan 21, 2005 - 16 answers

YuckHabitFilter/NeedMoreToWorryAboutFilter: Say you tend to chew on plastic pens while working, despite efforts to stop. Aside from the obvious Googleable dental detriments (tooth wear) and, um, choking risk I guess, are there any other dangers, esp. ones not grounded in Freudian analysis? Are you ingesting scary levels of leeching plasticizers and resins? If so, can you litigate? Kidding...
posted by tss on Jun 8, 2004 - 8 answers