Dangers of Orthodontics: The Hidden Risks You Need to Know!

[@RashelPilon-w1r]

This is amazing. I was a dental assistant with a dds that did ortho- I now have children that are for sure going to need ortho but the problem is finding 1)amazing ortho that is total body minded (canada has limited resources) 2)or knowing how to advocate for yourself. I wish you were in Canada lol

[@annaadem7264]

Go to india a do. Still it could be cheap

[@m.j.2939]

Honestly, the whole medical system needs an overhaul! I'm sick of finding all of this information out too late when the damage is done because the community is completely ignorant without a holistic education bar one in thousands!

[@TradBarbie]

I treat my children and dogs AT HOME and I do a great job. They wanted my oldest on three meds every day, starting at like 4 years old. No thanks on the Claritan, I'll just teach her how to clear her sinuses. A dentist said my two daughters needed root canals. Next dentist said nothing was there.

[@tabithalarue]

Yup! I always tell people that the majority of doctors aren't as smart as we think they are and to be aware their knowledge can be very outdated as new technology and research is available. Especially when it comes to medication and surgery

[@bjornolson21]

Well it does take years of practice and research to discover things that work and don’t work. That’s why science is ever changing. There’s always something new about something. Just how it is

[@TradBarbie]

@bjornolson21 why they say "practicing medicine" but doctors LOVE to act so sure about things which they know nothing.

[@m.j.2939]

@TradBarbie that's terrifying 😳. Root canal work can kill. If he's a hack infection, he can set in and it goes straight to the bodies organs before it shows in the tooth!

[@hopefulforhumanity5625]

I'm the mom who said no to braces and expanders for my kids because of cost. The funny thing is that doing nothing was the right thing to do because their mouths grew larger over time, and their teeth straightened out naturally.

[@ivfchic3316]

This is very reassuring. I have an 8 year old who might need dental work but think I'll just wait so long as it's not affecting her eating. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@rh10033]

I've often wondered about this since most kids get braces before their jaw is done growing.

[@Alma_Kane]

That's not the case for a lot of people though.

[@estherkux6559]

In germany, health assurance is paying for this system with „pulling out teeth“, even for children. So no costs for you at all. If you do it the proper way, as told in the video and as just done with my 14 year old, assurance does not pay anything. Funny, isnt it? Luckily i decided, using the expensive method would be better, just because my mother instinct told me, pulling out 4 (!!!) healthy teeth out of the- for my impression- quite small mouth of my teenager, cannot be right.

[@natalieeubank4533]

You got lucky that time, my sons teeth were growing in crooked and the expander helped them to straighten out

[@KMx108]

My orthodontist had the genius idea of removing one of my canine teeth because he didn't like where it was coming in. He left me with a misaligned bite, resulting in needing 2 crowns due to cracked teeth. I had no cavities. He also killed a tooth by moving it too quickly and i needed a root canal on that tooth. My dentist also told my parents to go overboard on fluoride and my permanent teeth came in with flurosis and i needed veneers. Im 49 now and wish doctors knew better when i was young.

[@Sunflower-kk5ul]

Happened To Me - an orthodontic destroyed my teeth and caused bone loss - I hate him so much - he’s done for malpractice too - I am not the only victim - it was horrible - I used to swallowed my braces too.

[@Mellostuff]

Sameeee. Dentists are so silly most times. Its like do they even think about the consequences. I feel like it has become a big money making machine. Nobody understands how painful and problematic open bite and cracked tooth caused by braces are. Ugh.

[@artim8307]

They knew how to get money from you….

[@blackingingerpurrin]

That’s cause the offices needed to make money off your insurance. I’m sorry you went through that

[@pearlytiger564]

When I was a kid in the 90s, I was blessed with parents who knew that pulling teeth was not the answer and were adamant about it. They sent me and my sister to an orthodontist who did not pull teeth.

[@TradBarbie]

My tooth was crowded and needed pulled. Now my teeth are great. My daughter had an extra tooth that was blocking her tooth from coming in.

[@TradBarbie]

In the 90s I had crowding and my tooth needed pulled. Now my teeth are even and straight. My daughter had an extra tooth blocking her adult tooth from coming in, but it was an adult tooth, like a dog's canine. We thought it was a sideways tooth. I still have it.

[@pearlytiger564]

@@TradBarbie my teeth were also very crowded but pulling teeth was not necessary. They pushed my molars back with headgear and sanded some of me teeth to make them smaller so they would fit. My sister who also had severe crowding, they widened her palate so her teeth would fit. Pulling teeth is rarely the answer for crowding. Crowded teeth means your teeth are either too far forward on your jaw or your mouth is too small. When you have a small mouth/airway, apnea becomes an issue in adulthood and this needs to be fixed. I also had two baby teeth pulled because they too were blocking my adult teeth from coming in. Pulling baby teeth is not the issue here. Pulling permanent/adult teeth is. The only adult teeth I had pulled were my wisdom teeth because they were impacted and pushing on the roots of my other molars. They were pulled when I was in my early 20s, long after my teeth were straightened and I finished growing.

[@alyahamzah1952]

Im a paediatrician and this is such an eye opening video. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

[@lmb4876]

Best thing ( for my appearance) was getting braces in my 50s!! Most people tell me that I have a beautiful smile..even at 70!

[@veronicabiggio2540]

Good! At 44 I am going through the process right now. The change so far has been great!

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

That's wonderful!

[@ارابيلا-ي6ج]

​@@LivingwellwithDrMichelleDr please i had braces and i think it kinda changed my face a little ( on the nose side it looks skinnier ) i only wanted to slightly correct the teeth (they even were good ) but now i regret it, should i carry on with the braces or not? And what can i do to reverse what changed..

[@kirtisonisart2288]

But after its change our original colour

[@chenaeM7]

I can tell you’re a smart and good orthodontist. Truly amazing. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve had braces twice, and just about to go ahead with jaw expansion + Invisalign this coming year. I’ve had two lower molars taken out when I was 15, which caused narrowing of the jaw, bone loss, jaw locking, clicking and pain, my lower molars are sort of angled in so I don’t get the satisfaction of biting my molars down together properly. I’m only 24. It’s wild the amount of money spent so far and times I’ve had orthodontic procedures that promise the same thing yet it’s only gotten worse starting orthodontic treatments. I wish I still had my real teeth in. There was nothing that bad with them…

[@natalieeubank4533]

Sounds like you need a chiropractor for your jaw

[@lovelifelaugh2727]

Sounds like you might need jaw surgery? I’ve had tmj ever since getting my wisdom teeth removed. I never had braces but I wish I did :/

[@AllieHill-z4p]

I'm so sorry! Have you been diagnosed with tongue tie? It can lead to a small mouth (from mouth breathing) and orthodontic relapse.

[@sarahk4568]

im SO glad i saw this video. I got braces in middle school and had 4 adult teeth pulled to make room (and they wanted to take more..). I have such a problem with sleeping and im on insomnia medication. I wore my retainer for years and then when i stopped, my teeth shifted. I was honestly considering getting braces AGAIN to fix it. Ive never heard anything negative about orthodontics, this is fascinating

[@akilamanickam]

My daughter started getting migraine headaches as the dentist made her retainer too tight. She had missed around one month of highschool because of this. After a month we come to know it's because of retainer. Once we loosened it she was ok.

[@dejahjane]

You are amazing! I've learned so much through your videos! I had orthodontic care done in the early 80's. My mouth is really small, so they sent me to dentist and dug.. yes..dug out my 12yr old molars to make room. It was so traumatic, I feel that is why I have anxiety every time I need to go to the dentist. I proceeded with braces 3 different times and retainers in the next 10 yrs. I now have a cpap for my airway. My sister, who is 16 years younger than me, had orthodontic care, and that is when they were widening the mouth that you talked about. So I'm glad things have changed.

[@natalieeubank4533]

That isn’t most orthodontists

[@ingridanderson4991]

So good to hear actual information about how this works (or does not) rather than a hard sell

[@kikid4093]

Braces were recommended to me as an adult (45 yo), with one extraction due to issues with my bite (not cosmetic). That started a cascade of issues. BSSRO during which a nerve was completely severed. Incisors left with spaces so that veneers were needed so that they didn't shift due to extra space. Complete flattening of condylar head on one side, moderate on the other, resulting in chronic jaw pain, etc. Veneers ultimately needed to be replaced with crowns. I 100% regret the braces and surgery that were "needed" and will be dealing with the aftermath for the rest of my life.

[@ccalexander1924]

What happened with the severed nerve

[@kikid4093]

​@ccalexander1924 They tried to fix it during the original surgery, according to the surgical notes, but it was not successful; the nerve did not regenerate and normal sensation did not return. My lower lip all the way down to under my chin (picture the mouth on a ventriloquist's dummy) are numb. This includes the buccal side of my gums in that area. I have neuropathy. I slur certain letter (b, f, m, v) when I'm tired, unless I really focus on my speech. It causes challenges drinking from a glass, and if I get something on my chin when eating, I can't feel it. It may not sound like a big deal to some, but it is to me.

[@adityajaiswal1645]

Were you having any issue with your bite before the dentist's recommendation? I have a crossbite and I am facing no problems with it.

[@kikid4093]

​@@adityajaiswal1645 No, I wasn't having issues before the surgery.

[@LoriLeomporra-sy2qp]

Very important for people to understand. I would have liked you to also address the issue of developing gingivitis during traditional Ortho treatment which often causes calculus build up below the CEJ becoming almost impossible to remove years later. As a RDH I see this all the time.

[@babetweirdgirl4103]

I'm almost 40 and can finally afford orthodontics. I have very few dental issues compared to other people. Your practice sounds like a breath of fresh air.

[@diadeenero]

Yeah

[@diadeenero]

😮

[@queenbee66]

Got orthodontic treatment done and it gave me TMJ issues that have affected the quality of my life.TMJ clicking,pain,my bite is not aligned well etc.

[@Beau-g6m]

I corrected my tmj, it’s almost completely subsided. I started mewing and keeping my home dust/dander free and taking allergy meds. If you do this and postural yoga it will help train the muscles, anti-inflammatories are good on occasion an eating high protein low carb, regular to low fat diet with plenty of fiber helps. Get lots of sleep and grab a few teeth protectors for bruxism when sleeping.

[@ccalexander1924]

Same

[@lovelifelaugh2727]

I got tmj after getting my wisdom teeth removed, never had braces.

[@queenbee66]

@@lovelifelaugh2727 Oh no i thought removing my wisdom teeth will make it better,got two removed as they were impacted anyways.I still have the TMJ clicking when i open and close my mouth.

[@kateginger]

I got a mouth splint for tmj (you need to find a dentist who is a tmj secialist which is rare) Also massages for tmj (you can find on youtube the ones with the finger inside the mouth work the best) and also physiotherapy. (Which you can also found videos on youtube.) Start with the 6×6. I wish I had started years ago. Now I got arthritis

[@MrMcfire2]

Brilliant video and fantastic information. Tradional orthondists should certainly see their patients as adults otherwise they will think that there is nothing wrong with their method. Perfect example of why we cannot only rely on astetic outcomes and must prioritise function/health

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Thank you!

[@culdesac8339]

So true! 4 teeth out for braces as a kid and now have sleep apnea.Also have TMJ. Autoimmunity issues too.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

so sorry to hear that!

[@cc2008c]

Stop using the retainer… it leaks chemical when you sleep… I stopped using it after 15 years and I have autoimmune problems too

[@judylloyd7901]

I had 4 pre-molars removed in my early teens. No braces were necessary, but I'm not sold on the idea of removing teeth as an option.

[@wendygore2709]

Same. The little bit of orthotics that I had when I was 9, is now effecting my health at 50. 😢

[@Myworlddd111]

​@@wendygore2709 what kind of health problem? I had premolar extracted too at 25. I'm scared it will affect my future health😢😢

[@magicowlholisticwellness6096]

I wish you were closer to me! That’s exactly what I am looking for! I’m in the middle of Invisalign treatment right now. Hopefully it doesn’t make things worse for me! I’m 52 and I have a severe overbite and as I’ve gotten older it’s caused more and more problems. Grinding, tmj, clicking in my throat.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Hi! Here is the link to my directory! Within this directory, you'll find health-concious dentists who share similar philosophies with me: livingwellwithdrmichelle.com/directory/

[@mec4142]

I worked in very specialized dentistry for 25 years and this is spot on EXCEPT I’d encourage the DDS here to dig just a little deeper into why those tissues are lax and it’s not because it’s been so for so long it’s actually missing nutrients in that person. Dr. Stasha Gominak (neurologist) has figured this out and is trying to spread the info and works in sleep medicine. BUT having learned even more this is not about taking some vitamin D and B complex (her approach and it does work as hubs decades of snoring is gone) I’d also postulate it can be better achieved with things like Root Cause Protocol using beef organs and natural b complex (bee pollen, rice hulls etc plus some is in the organs) and do even better that way. I hope the poster here dives just a bit deeper into functional medicine as this video is brilliant coming from a dentist especially one that recognizes constant fight or flight. Now dig just a bit deeper why those tissues are legit swollen from lacking vitamins and Bs and especially B12 will be huge! My scalloped tongue was this. Swollen and impeding airway but turned out I have pernicious anemia and iron dysregulation (not deficiency as it’s currently being called) and addressing missing copper, D, C, B12 I can’t absorb and others resolves those things. Bravo though as this video is excellent high end education for all parents of ortho kids or adult ortho cases ♥️.

[@alinaposnova5907]

I wish I knew that before I did my orthodontic treatment 😢 I blame myself a lot to be so opened to the “doctor’s” recommendations and didn’t have my own study, for even didn’t know all the leading causes 😢

[@Dalabombana]

Ended up with Invisalign as an adult. Not ideal. Had adenoid issues and mouth breather / small mouth as kid. Dentists removed 4 healthy teeth - traumatic is not the word, my nose grew deformed at 14, as my lower face literally ‘collapsed’. I ended up with braces and x2 rhinoplasty, which fixed most of it, (and wouldn’t have needed if expanders had been used and mouth breathing addressed) but still not forgiven the horrors of what dental work I couldn’t consent to as a child in the 80’s/90’s. Still wear Invisalign retainers today at 47. My son will not be having teeth removed, safe to say.

[@AIM-od9nr]

Orthodontics destroyed my teeth. Roots mostly resorbed away :/

[@Dalabombana]

@ that’s definitely not normal. Whilst I don’t love the current orthodontic system, moving teeth shouldn’t do that…

[@josieg.]

😢​@@AIM-od9nr

[@josieg.]

​@😢Dalabombana

[@TheHcjfctc]

When my daughter was about 12, I was told her mouth was too crowded and she needed an expander and braces. Our insurance wouldn’t cover it at the time because she had too many baby teeth left. She’s now 15 with 2 baby teeth left that are loose. I’ve been wondering if we should try again, but her teeth are not all that crooked. She’s also autistic which, I think, would make braces even more difficult for her. I’m beginning to think that if she isn’t bothered by her little crooked teeth that it’s not worth it. She doesn’t experience any of the issues mentioned with breathing issues.

[@RixBix]

Get an expander now before it's too late. My sister and neice both had one under my advice as I was a dental assistant. Wish I had when I was young, so I save as many people as I can so they don't live in regret.

[@xMikochix3]

Braces had actually helped me chew on noodles that i couldn’t before. I had protruded front teeth with open gap like bunny 🐰 . I often choke on noodles and on enoki mushroom. Guess braces done well for me. +1 to be able to smile showing my teeth with confidence too! I’d recommend to those with biting problem to get them fixed. If minor aesthetic issue, embrace ur teeth 😊

[@JessicaFayToday]

I found out in my thirties that the dark rings around the bases of my teeth are exposed roots. This is apparently from my teeth being pulled down out of the gums from orthodontic care (according to dentists). Exposed roots cause heat and cold sensitivity, more susceptibility to decay, and, of course, are unsightly. I had no idea before getting braces that 1) my teeth would move the day I ever took a break from wearing a retainer, and 2) that orthodontics would cause receding gums (according to dentists).

[@blacktancoonhoundsuk161]

I had overjet, deep bite & crowding. I had a brace on my top teeth in my 20's and extraction of 2 top premolars. 20 years later I'm left with multiple jaw, bite and tooth problems...... and have gapping, still a deep bite and overjet.... though less....The treatment was totally botched & rushed. I now need more orthodontics and rootcanal 😢

[@katatoth7551]

just don't do root canal! they are dead teeth left to cause chronic inflammation.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

so sorry to hear that! Look into my other videos on root canals. They tend to lead to infection so there are much better options!

[@blacktancoonhoundsuk161]

@@LivingwellwithDrMichelle thank you so much. I'll do that 🙂

[@kel6098]

Myofunctional Therapy-she mentioned this in conjunction with her treatment. If started with very young children, you will see their teeth, jaws and facial structure grow beautifully. Research it and look at before and after pictures in children. In many cases odd/unattractive faces grow into normal/attractive faces. The young pediatric dentist we found taped his twins’ mouths to sleep starting around age 2. Some cultures close their babies’ mouths constantly in training. American Indians do this and have beautiful face structure as adults. For children, find a myofunctional therapist-it’s much cheaper than orthodontics! Some speech therapists are beginning to incorporate this as well. I’ve been taping 9 years and have never been healthier. I did it for severe allergies and snoring, which went away (odd thing though-I will experience allergies occasionally when traveling). I wish I had learned the right way versus taping.

[@natalieeubank4533]

We love my son’s orthodontist and they have only ever done what was necessary and not taken any extreme measurements

I had them for 1 year. My top teeth don't line up perfectly with my lower teeth and I clench too much at night. Constant muscle soreness and discomfort in my face. I don't think I'll ever let my kids get them unless absolutely necessary. I regret it.

[@PeaceIsJesusChrist]

How do you mean? Do they hit each other? My orthodontist just had to file my teeth a little for them to no longer hit. ❤

@PeaceIsYeshua my bottom front teeth push my top teeth forward and when I try to close my mouth all the way the teeth don't close or sit right and it creates a lot of tension in my jaw and facial muscles to try to keep my mouth shut

[@alanamichelle08]

Same here after having braces years ago

[@PeaceIsJesusChrist]

@• Ah, okay, yes, it sounds like they just need to be filed slightly. It’s a quick and easy fix if so. My teeth did that as well at the end of my treatment. I would look for a top rated orthodontist in your area to take a look. I doubt they’d even charge. ❤️

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

so sorry to hear that! clenching at night typically means that there's an airway issue there. See if you can get your airway checked !

[@hasanzahidi5875]

I talked to my doctor about implants cuz I have two missing molars on one side and another on the other. He advised me to put on braces first which i did though I didn’t like the idea as im too old, 58, for this kind of stuff. Im still on the fence about implants as well 😮 Thank you so much dr Michelle ❤

[@endgamefond]

I have a similar case. My teeth are moving to the right since I lost my two molars and Idk if I want implants and If I do want implants I should get braces coz I have crooked teeth.

[@Afayanl]

I had the retainer problem. After the braces were taken out, I didn’t keep the retainer on all the time. My teeth came back to their natural position 😢

[@stiffnee2000]

Wonderful video. Please consider doing a video on the types of expanders and when they are appropriate. My understanding is that removable expanders are generally for mild cases, but is it so?

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

great idea! If you're looking into adult options for expanders, take a look at candid and vivos! We'll see what can be done for a video on expanders.

[@LilyOfTheTower]

I was so scared watching this since my 14 year old currently is wearing braces. Thankfully the orthodontist i chose was a very skiled and honest guy. We talked about all of these potential issues and he let me know all that could happen.

[@Niki1968-s2f]

Wow, I teared up watching this. I had 4 teeth removed at 10, I’m now 56. Wore braces for about 3 years in my teens and got them again later as an adult. My teeth are bad again, especially the bottom ones. I was about to call and look into getting braces a third time. I’m glad I saw this video. I think that I breathe well during the day but maybe not at night. Could be the reason I always feel fatigued.

[@angeleyes9021]

Top marks!! You are absolutely right. I had braces to correct 5 lower incisors when I was 22. The orthodontist was negligent and pushed my lower teeth backwards which resulted in my upper teeth falling. I experienced all the issues you raised!! A dentist removed 2 molars on my left side of my mouth for no reason when I was 8 so my mouth never formed properly 😔. I have endured many years of discomfort!! I realised that the tongue is in fact a retainer & spent 2 years pushing my teeth forward to a more comfortable place! I’ve researched orthodontics and in the process of applying braces to my own teeth to fix the damage that has been done!! My mouth is moist, I can breathe better!! I have gaps but will add composite to increase the tooth size to close the gaps 🙂 I just don’t trust dentists now 😞 I like what you say and most should operate like you rather than getting rich at others expense!! I have so many selfies on my phone recording the progress 🤓 I have gaps but the profile of my nose and face are more natural & show my true beauty 😊 I’m amazed! My advice would be… always go to an orthodontist that cares, not just a quick fix at extortionate costs… You really sound like a professional like the lady in this video 🙂

[@coolpopular4life]

A dentist removing a molar for no reason- doesn’t sound right. Most than likely the reason was gross decay

[@bethanyhowarthphoto]

This is exactly what happened to me. Premolar extractions, retractive orthodontics even though I had very minimal crowding and perfectly acceptable teeth. Developed sleep apnea symptoms when my front teeth were retracted. Now have severe sleep apnea in my thirties. I am the only one in my family with this. I am the only one who had braces. I would not wish this on anyone. Do not let your orthodontist extract teeth in children.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

This makes me feel a lot better about not getting braces when I was a teen.

[@anonnonny3142]

So I got braces around age 13, as do many kids in the US, and the biggest consequence of that that I’m still dealing with is TMJ. My parents mildly regret giving me braces, since I had maybe 2-3 teeth out of alignment and they might’ve straightened naturally. But still, now years later I had 1 of those teeth shift slightly out of alignment, and I still have a jaw that locks and partially dislocates…oh well, maybe when I have a stable dentist I’ll figure something out.

[@mariya-1967]

What an amazing human being ❤ thank you

[@Sophia-j5n2t]

I had to get 5 gum grafts done right after the braces came off! No one warned me gum recession can happen when teeth are moved.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

So sorry to hear that!

[@natand4297]

Same here

[@julie11e345]

@@LivingwellwithDrMichelleQuick question here: can gum recession happen with invisible aligners as well? I would like to know what causes it…? Thank you so much in advance Dr. Michelle for your answer

[@Kedesh14]

My orthodontist shaved down my teeth at the sides and it’s the worse!! I had food stuck down in my gum and caused severe pain. I should’ve listen to my intuition first.

[@heartforall5853]

My dentist did the same! I even asked her if that would cause a higher risk for cavities and she said no! Suddenly at the end of the orthodontist treatment I had cavities!

[@ylkgypsy]

I’m doing Invisalign currently. Week 54 out of 61 of original plan without refinements yet and my teeth look and feel worse than before I started a year ago. My issues before I started: deep bite, overjet, crowding both on the bottom and top teeth, missing canine on the left . I had a milk canine on the left that never fell out until I was 33. I’m 41. The root was taken out halfway through my Invisalign treatment and all of a sudden my whole arch and all of my anterior teeth started to shift to the left to close the space (Tom Cruise effect). Plus because ortho gave me elastics for my right canine to be moved back towards the back of the mouth, but I had no room at that time between it and my premolar, my whole mouth began to have canting effect (my smile looks lobsided and angled) . I think because the only force of the elastics that was working was down. The right canine that the orthodontist was trying to move 6 months later to the right and back with a mini implant and bib with elastics ended up not moving except by intruding to the point that now it looks like a tiny triangle barely visible. My deep bite didn’t get any better because my bottom teeth bit behind the bite ramps because I have an overjet. During most of the treatment my overjet got worse and only now teeth are moving back. I am horrified. Can it still get better. What should I tell my ortho?? She just says everything is fine

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Talk to your dentist about your concerns. Unfortunately there's not much we can do without seeing you in person and reviewing your health history. If you want a second opinion from a holistic dentist, check out my dentist directory: livingwellwithdrmichelle.com/directory/

[@littlewondertalent1412]

You are a blessing to the people. Dentists never say any of these things.

[@N.Ortxx0]

Invisalign ruined my face, and my bottom gums. I had no idea any of that could happen.

[@zaynab29]

The only teeth I removed from the approx. 10 years of treatment 5 years of active treatment and 5 years of follow up with zero dentist charge were my wisdom teeth as they were growing crooked right from the beginning. My dentist was/is against teeth removal, no expanders used too. I had a very bad overbite, my upper teeth were literally on my lower lip, covering them completely. So I am happy I got mine done as a lot of people were mocking me for my teeth as a child. By 9 years old it was solved with zero teeth removal, my dentist just waited for my milk teeth to fall off then he added the little metal squares as the teeth were fully grown and found their fixed place down the line only then he would do it. By 12 years old I was done then just follow up, up until 20 when I went to study abroad.

[@michaelaellison8942]

28 year old here who had braces, headgear and teeth extractions starting at age 10 and ending at 16. I only have 24 teeth now and my mouth and jaw are very small making my facial aesthetic odd and unbalanced but people say I have a great smile. LOL. I do wonder if I have sleep apena because I never feel rested when I wake up. It's to the point were I can't function most days. I've spent most of my teens and 20s chronically tired and feeling unable to do the things that bring me joy and falling behind my peers. Blood work always comes back fine. I think I also have a tongue tie as I can't pronounce words very well and people can't understand me a lot. I'm also deeply self conscious about my profile. Its as if my lower face never fully developed. I live in GA. Do you know of any colleagues that have similar methods of treatment in the area. I'm honestly willing to travel to you if not. I just really am at a loss and want nothing more than to feel better. Thank you.

[@kmkeenan]

I had an expander as a child but also had teeth removed before braces. I've been using a cpap for two years now and I hate it. Two dentists and an orthodontist have recommended that I have aligners and double jaw surgery to correct my airway issues.

[@farzanaakhter4583]

I wish i knew this information before i got my braces. I started getting gut problems and autoimmune disease just after i got braces. Didn't realize it was because of my braces. Now i am dealing with so many problems. TMJ disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, breathing issues, autoimmune disease, list goes on. I had no problems before. I regret getting my braces. Please don't get braces unless you are having major issues (you can't eat, and have severe tmjd). When you are suffering, in pain, barely functional, you will not care how your smile looks. Trust me.

[@thill5108]

I’m also dealing with the same issues. I’m in my second set of braces. I’m so thankful for this channel because this confirms what I suspected. My hearing loss is due to me getting braces.

[@welderella]

Ditto. I regret getting braces.

[@keeponblooming1193]

The biggest effect I've had, is that my gumline has receeded some over the years. :/ Had braces for 4 years in middle school. Now almost 30.

[@Sam4G0d]

So insightful

[@angeleyes9021]

This lady speaks sense!!! She is absolutely right 🙂

[@barbnxo]

Dr. Michelle is so amazing! I’ve been in the profession for over 20 years and I learn something new every time I watch her videos! So grateful to have learned a way out of fluoride use and in to a more natural hydroxyapatite care with her highly functional hydroxyapatite tooth powders and mouth rinses!

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Thank you!!

[@swingman50]

My son had braces I was against at 12 years old for a few years. Later on he constantly has issues with gum disease. I believed it was those damn braces where proper cleaning was impossible.

[@abigailloar956]

I almost never go to the dentist. Mostly due to finances and never having dental insurance. I have only gone 2 times as a 32 year old adult. The first time was at 21 when my lower wisdom teeth came in. The dentist looked at my untouch teeth and told me i needed to come back so he could look at the rest of my teeth. I did not go back until my first pregnancy at 27 because my teeth were sensitive. They told me they had never seen teeth so healthy. Not a single cavity. The sensitivity was due to the pregnancy and got better after. I am convinced the first dentist would have convinced me i needed fillings. Dentists do a lot of shady stuff. There are so many natural remedies, and our teeth do not need to look perfect. Just take good care of your teeth and dont eat too many carbs.

[@Rhond5]

Best thing a Mother can do for her Babies is to BREAST FEED. This helps the Sucking /tongue to rest at the palate. Also, this helps the babies Palate to naturally expand because Natural Nursing helps expand the Palate because the Breast is a different shape than a Bottle. The baby needs to open their mouth wider to Nurse… I work for a Dentist who sees a differences with Breast Fed Babies vs Bottle Fed babies. It’s all about where the tongue learns to rest naturally:). Breast is Best 😊

[@catrinanewman6569]

Not always. My sister nursed her daughter & she had to get a palate expansion. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% for breastfeeding! I nursed a total of 11 years of my life between 6 babies. I love nursing.

[@jaclynbannister1877]

I breastfed too and my kids have all kinds of orthodontic issues.

[@janen9393]

My kids would not latch on and i had production issues, I pumped. Not all of can do even if we want to.

[@Rhond5]

Even if you Breastfeed your Babies and they have some Ortho issues, you still tremendously helped your Babies. Sleep apnea issues are improved because they learned to rest their tongue at their palate or the top of the mouth. Helping them with airflow at night:))). Lots of lifetime Benefits from Nursing 😁

[@heatherpahl6927]

People say "I breastfed and my kids still needed orthodontics." The thing is, genetics, pacifiers, bottles, and intrauterine growth/positioning still play a large part in needing orthodontics even with exclusive breastfeeding. What might resonate MORE with those people is that bottle feeding and pacifier use can make orthodontic issues WORSE because it doesn't allow natural palate development like breastfeeding does.

[@хопхейлалалей-у7ю]

I'm a 42 yr old who is getting braces only now. I have been entertaining braces idea for past 15+ years but never got to it until now. Unfortunately, about 5 orthodontists told me the same thing - because of my severe crowding and midline shift and slight open bite, i will have to lose between 8 to 6 teeth. I had 4 wisdom teeth removed 7 years ago, and now 4 first premolars. Due to my age my jaw bone would not expand with surgical expander and another expander would just flare my teeth out. Fingers crossed, I will not develop sleep apnea down the line after treatment.

[@raytchi]

I'm 43 and I have expanded my palate over the last 2 years with functional appliances.

[@хопхейлалалей-у7ю]

@rachelkellond6313 and then extra 2 years on top of that for braces??

[@DancingKangaroo]

Dentist pulled out 4 of my healthy teeth to put braces when I was a teenager and messed up the entire bite formation of teeth. After a decade later I am now suffering from TMJ issues with jaw lock and pain which will remain for the rest of my life. I regret putting the braces.

[@katya_mironenko]

I had a facial massage and master only touched my face and she asked if I have had any braces. I had ! But 8 years ago! She told me she can say I had them because my muscles is too tough, not relaxed at all. So she said me that nowadays dentists advise even while you having braces also go to the massage salon for face treatments because it’s very difficult for muscles. I didn’t know about that(( my teeth not as bad. I am still happy I’ve had a braces, but any extensions for my mouth unfortunately. And even at the end of my therapy doctor told me I should remove my wisdom teeth because when they will start growing they will damage my teeth. I waited too long and they started to grow. But got removed them 2 years ago. I don’t have a perfect smile because I didn’t wear aligners over night after braces. And I still have retainers . Got changed them this year, because my one was cracked almost everywhere and didn’t keep my teeth straight.

[@mariachavez1373]

I’m so glad I found you before I put my little girl through this. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@idunsgarden]

I had braces on my first four teeth as a kid with headgear to correct an overbite. Didn’t work. I was supposed to get a full set, my mom never took me back because she was self involved and mentally ill. Now in my 40s I tried to get braces and they said I needed four teeth removed and also that I have tongue tie that needs surgery. I said, nah that’s fine.

[@shalon4jc2]

My daighter who is 16 has really bad TMJ. Started right after getting her braces. She has her braces off now and has bad TMJ pain😢😢😢

[@lindamammola9215]

Make sure you go to a good orthodontist and not just a regular dentist

[@veryluckybid]

I now have sleep apnea due to having 4 teeth removed and braces to fix crowding. My jaw , my oral cavity and my airway are all too small for my tongue. I am fit and athletic and nothing can fix my sleep apnea besides a jaw surgery and 2 more years of braces. 😟😔

[@danahaham]

I also have the same problem. At the age of 17 I had 2 molars removed from my upper jaw behind the canines. I have no place for my tongue in my mouth. I have sleep apnea that I only recently discovered the connection to my teeth, I developed hyper kyphosis in my back which is destroying my life due to the compression of my jaw, it turns out that the jaw is related to the stability of the back muscles and diaphragm(!), breathing problems due to tension in the chest muscles. The manipulation of the displacement and compression of the jaw destroyed my life and I was only 16 years old. Today I am 38 years old. And the doctors tell me that there is no way to expand the jaws, and above all it is not possible to expand it forward. Hardly to the sides - and only at a young age. I want to expand this space that was displaced to 7 millimeters on each side in the upper jaw. In addition, give room for the forward movement of the tongue. And put 2 prostheses (or grow teeth) ... I'm looking for solutions and feel lost. Not to mention that the aesthetic look looks ugly because the jaw is narrow and I hate it. And I don't smile because the tongue will show out.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

so sorry to hear that! Maybe look into a holistic dentist near you! here's the link to the dentist directory: livingwellwithdrmichelle.com/directory/

[@kK-iv3hc]

​@LivingwellwithDrMichelle how do I prevent these issues if my gaps aren't closed yet?

[@mma48578]

Great video. I never wanted to let some teeth extraction for getting braces. I find this just to wrong. This is why I’ve delayed my treatment for many years. Now I have Damon braces and didn’t remove any teeth 😊 I am satisfied with the treatment. I have Damon braces for seven months now and the results are great. I hope it will be very satisfying at the end of treatment 😁

[@fuscia_travels]

I’ve notice that a lot of men in their early twenties who have perfect teeth have a speech issue. Like their tongue no longer fits in their mouth right or hits the teeth right.

[@emmy_c1001]

I had braces and multiple extractions as a teen in the 90s. My daughter has been treated for the last 12months to increase her palette size. This has given me the push to sort out my sleep apnea and everything you mention here, i have a tiny mouth and mouth breathe. Ive had braces fitted a week ago. Its going to take a long time and im worried braces wont open up my top teeth enough - will braces open the teeth enough with no palette expansion? I dont see where the teeth can go?!

[@Alissa_Marie]

When i got my braces, i suffered for a year and a half with tension, migraines, i didn't stop clenching my jaw for hours on end. The metal used affected my digestive system, i was nauseated constantly. I would spend days only being able to have liquids. And the worst part is i didn't even want straighter teeth. I only had an overbite. After getting braces, i constantly bit down onto my tongue and the inside of my cheeks. I got them takes out 6 months early because i couldn't handle it. They literally pulled the brackets off of my teeth, and now i have cracks in the surface of my teeth. Suffice it to say, i no longer trust dentists.

[@ccalexander1924]

My teeth were so crooked. Real bad. I got braces in high school. I had to get a few teeth pulled as well. My mouth is very small. I did not have to get an expander. He told me I didn’t have to wear my retainer more rhen so many months. I threw it away. Years later my teeth shifted and I had to get invisiline. So I had braces twice. I do have sleep issues. It takes me forever to fall a sleep and I wake up a million times. I do take sleep meds 😬

[@ueskb]

How long ago was that? The same thing happened to me. They didn't have the concept of permanent retainers decades ago; they thought the teeth would stay permanently in place after 6 months to 1 year of wearing a retainer.

[@Tesss-paige]

I was so scared for this video, but I didn't need teeth pulled, I don't have sleep apnea, and I brush well. So ig I'm good 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@nar7426]

My teeth were pulled off😭 What I should do to reverse side effects?

[@billiemunchen]

I had tooth crowding and it looked terrible. They removed four premolars to create space, this was in my early teens. Wore the fixed braces (?) for four years and then a retainer for a year or so when one broke. I snore and sometimes wonder if I have sleep apnea. I'm under 40, female, only slightly overweight (also snored at a healthy weight) and have a slender neck. I don't know what to do about this. My jaw also clicks on the right even I fully open my mouth...

[@985Mindy]

I need an orthodontist like you. I have so many of these issues

[@pamgriffith7563]

This explains so many of my issues. I had traditional orthodontics from 4th - 12th grade and had teeth pulled. I’m now 65 and getting ready to pull 3 root canal teeth and replace with zirconia implants. Should I get my mouth expanded first?

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

First step is to find a holistic dentist near you! Here's the link to the dentist directory: livingwellwithdrmichelle.com/directory/

[@gboates]

You are in trouble no doubt!

[@angelaggarrido7816]

​@@gboatesvery helpful comment huh?

[@SweettoothMarie77]

Caused me gums to recede due to constant brushing after eating. Now, i suffer from tooth sensitivity.

[@sandhyakiran4064]

Orthodontists underplay 2 inconveniences before selling the braces/invisalign: 1) plaque depositing on teeth due to the retainer after the treatment is completed. Considering other complications plaque leads to, in a lot of cases it is not worth 2) wearing retainers is a lifelong deal. If you don’t wear them, teeth will get misaligned again.

[@ueskb]

Are you talking about the fixed retainers?

[@ceruleanblue7]

Have had TMJ for years after getting braces and having teeth pulled. Also root canals and crowns. The dentist said it's because extra stress on my teeth from getting teeth pulled for braces.

[@H20-Vital]

My son have a cyst inside of his cheek because the ortho let the wire poke out. My son was complaining all weekend. On the next business day we went to the office to fix. The same day his mouth swallowed. I didn’t know what was we toon him to the ER. First said it was linfonodo inflammation. After Went to ENT and they asked for CT Scam. We refused. Just hoping this cyst go away by it self.

[@nicoled9756]

Fascinating! I know what I’ll look for as my son gets older 💜

[@kel6098]

Myofunctional Therapy-she mentioned this in conjunction with her treatment. If started with very young children, you will see their teeth, jaws and facial structure grow beautifully. Research it and look at before and after pictures in children. In many cases odd/unattractive faces grew into normal/attractive faces. The young pediatric dentist we found taped his twins’ mouths to sleep starting around age 2. I’ve been taping 9 years and have never been healthier. I did it for severe allergies and snoring, which went away (odd thing though-I will experience allergies occasionally when traveling). I wish I had learned the right way versus taping. Some cultures close their babies’ mouths constantly in training. American Indians do this and have beautiful face structure. Find a therapist for your child now, as it’s much cheaper than orthodontics!

[@nicoled9756]

@@kel6098Interesting, I’ll look into that too. Thank you

[@Catillac26]

This sounds exactly what I need. I'm a 37yo female and 2 years ago I developed sleeping issues and fatigue, my bite feels off,tmjd. I had extraction retraction orthodontics as a child. I can't find anyone to help me at all. I'm in Scotland. Please Iet me know if you know anyone in the UK that treats this as you do.

[@culdesac8339]

Me too. Let me know if you find anyone in the UK. I have TMJ and fibromyalgia and anxiety too.

[@KeepingItReal-USA]

I wonder if I had the similar issues from dental work. I have sleep apnea and fatigue. I had Bell’s palsy. I think a lot is from my dental work.

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

I don't know of anyone yet. But when I do, I'll add them to my dentist directory: livingwellwithdrmichelle.com/directory/

[@jFlowers598]

What about teeth taken out in the front area? Wish I came across your video earlier, my son already finished his braces and had 4 teeth taken out 🤦🏻‍♀️now I’m very worried 🥺

[@sylviafriessen9124]

Same here with my son. hope you get an answer

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Just watch carefully! Make sure he can breathe at night and is not grinding, clenching his teeth or mouth breathing.

[@kathleen007]

Hellou, thanks for the video. I have a question related... is possible that at the end the braces has changed the jaw position and also the lips direction? Thanks

[@ueskb]

RE: 6:20 Are there some cases where a retainer is needed /justified? For example, someone may have a deep overbite due to their jaw structure: Maybe this could be corrected with jaw surgery or just orthodontics. But if they choose the more conservative option of just orthodontics, they will need the retainer. Would you be able to permanently correct this person's bite without either surgery or a retainer?

[@dawsonsdiary]

I had all 4 of my premolars pulled out and always wondered why I didn’t like my smile despite the fact that they are straight. It completely ruined my full smile I had as a kid, so now I have Invisalign to try to widen my smile a bit more and may need to get composite veneers.

[@gravemound]

i had braces for 7 years as a kid and im seeing this now at 25 😦 and i had a few teeth pulled 👍🏻

[@kitty1256x]

😢

[@merelmerula9313]

My dentist told me that braces permanently make spaces between teeth, which later allows food and bacteria to get in… creating cavities. Left on their own, teeth naturally sit “shoulder to shoulder” without any gap, preventing cavities.

[@mymymaya454]

Not if they are crooked

[@nikaa4237]

I recognize many issues in my 50s. My clenching and grinding I believe are because of misaligned teeth. Having said that thought, my teeth were a mess when I was 11. I had way too many teeth for such a tiny mouth and I had the worst buck teeth. They were so bad that some younger kids would mention it as soon as they met me.

[@vyrgieputradhi]

Wow very great information from Dr. Michelle and everyone from the comment section. I love the information so I dont get the wrong dental work for my teeth😅

[@laceyr.2642]

This is great info.. but what if you’re in a position where you are dealing with gumline recession and moving the teeth would likely cause even more gumline issues? What do you do first?

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Try to find the root cause of the gum issues first!

[@Feelalive1009]

Dr . You are so nice 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍

[@anzelaiv]

I'm in my late 30's and still haven't fixed my crowding because the suggestion always was and still is to remove 8! teeth. My crowding doesn't even look that bad for such an extreme measure. But the biggest problem is that I have chronic vertigo and migranes that were investigated but no cause identified meaning no one can guarantee that any manipulation to my jaw won't make this manageable health issue much worse.

[@Em1n3mka]

Thank for this video. I am of the individuals, who got a tooth removed to make space for all other teeth while wearing braces. I feel like I do not have enough space in my mouth for my tongue. Also there is some uneven wear on some of my chewing teeth.

[@Lillyofthevalley222]

The first orthodontist that I went to as a young adult pushed all of my teeth back to straighten them, he ended up pushing the position of my lower jaw way back, created a really unhealthy bite that was wearing down the left side of my jaw bone, eventually causing pain and my jaw making this loud click/clunk sound. I went to a bite specialist who did for me as an older adult expand my mouth and completely recreate my bite! I went from not being able to put an entire piece of sushi into my mouth to be able to put a whole piece of sushi! My smile isn’t as perfect looking as my previous treatment, but it still looks good and I can use my mouth and I don’t have jaw pain and clicking/clunking!

[@dixitdipti11]

Where is your doctor? Please link it here. Thanks

[@Lillyofthevalley222]

@ Ontario, Canada. Likely not a benefit to you. You kinda have to live within a reasonable driving distance. I went once a month for over 3 years.

[@mbi-fanimavoungouv-hart2882]

Very good and educative video

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

Thanks for watching

[@jasongarcia2140]

My mouth is too crowded and the teeth that were straightened started to grind against each other which has caused me many problems currently.

[@bjornolson21]

I had orthographic jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removed for it. I started having problems with needing more sleep and nervous system issues and sensitivities. I also found out I have a narrow airway. I think my airway was narrowed but idk if that led to my nervous system issues and sensitivities or not. Any thoughts?

[@bjornolson21]

Also had braces

[@eileengleeson7851]

Good to know this thanks ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@donnareed3822]

I’m sure that people who have small jaws with very crooked teeth have problems even if they don’t get braces

[@melodiemusic9956]

I have sleep apnea because I had so many teeth pulled ... sucks

[@dorinabicaku9855]

I decided to do upper palate expander in mid of 26 y.o and yes did open space it taked me 5 months to remove it but those rings kill the molars i did have a filled molar i lost it when the expander was removed want or don't u will lose teeth again but it is good to open space for the jaw

[@Anna_M_numbers]

Thank you very much. Noone believes me when I tell brekets was an mistake

[@lizi.2503]

They cracked my teeth taking off my braces with pliers and I don’t know why they don’t just melt the adhesive. And the metal would always poke through the back of my cheeks so wax was a norm. The retainer wrapped around my teeth and pushed my gums far down. Terrible time but I needed to make space for two implants from congenitally missing teeth which was considered cosmetic so $6500 later I have straight teeth and a bunch of cracks. I had several hygienists have to file down the left over adhesive every 6 months for 2 years. It was between 2008 and 2012 braces, 2012-2016 with retainer and Invisalign.2016-2018 filing the adhesive.

[@ashleycnossen3157]

I'm so sorry

[@patriciao5239]

Wow, that's rough. I don't know if Dr. Ellie (dentist) who trained in her native England then Switzerland then in US might have any helpful recs for you at this point but worth a try. She did a lot of pediatric dentistry as well as adult and had some good insights coming from Europe vs US. Main one was that xylitol (found in strawberries, milk, etc/can buy it too) feeds the good bacteria in the mouth and it was always routine in Switzerland for kids & adults to end each meal with such a tooth-friendly food. Women have a more acidic pH in the mouth & it varies with cycle and esp during pregnancy and is damaging to the teeth - again, simple attention to how one ends their meal can solve this. Also important is not sipping all day long - eat & drink, finish with a tooth-friendly food or mint and then let your teeth bathe in the saliva which can help them avoid decay and very gradually, even rebuild to a degree in certain situations. (The constant sipping common in US, even of water, dilutes the "therapeutic" saliva.) Not sure if her methods and insights can help improve your situation or not, but she has many many videos on you tube and often answers ?'s in the comments when people relate their situation. She used to advocate teeth cleaning at the dentist like all fellow dentists but came to conclude it's often counterproductive (assuming you do other things - which includes following her protocol, but that's 3 rinses which you can buy at any store...don't have to buy from her. She seems very sincere and logical.) Good luck.

[@endgamefond]

That's a lot of money

[@lindamammola9215]

Sounds like you went to a terrible orthodontist 😢

[@LivingwellwithDrMichelle]

so sorry to hear you dealt with that!