Should I complain to my dentist about gaps after braces?

[Vanessa]

I had braces on for 2 years. The only change that i saw was that it stopped my 4 front teeth from moving more in a different direction. I also had gaps.

I got them removed in October of 08 and I still have little gaps that are noticeable. I hate it! I feel like if I go see a different dentist he’s going to tell me that I need braces.

When I take my retainer off to eat my teeth start to separate again.

No one has said anything about how great my teeth turned out or anything like that. That makes me think that they don’t look nice.

Normally a kid wouldn’t be happy about getting braces but I was. I thought my teeth were going to be super straight. Now that they’re off I’m mad because it’s not what I expected and my dad spent a lot of money on them.

Should I tell my dentist what I think about my teeth? Or is it too late?

I don't think my dad is willing to pay for them again.
My orthodontist never asked if I was happy with my teeth before they were taken off.

What i meant was that when I have my retainer on the gaps look smaller but after I take my retainer off you can tell that the gaps got a little bigger a couple of minutes later. One time i showed my family and they noticed it too.

They aren't giant gaps. But aren't braces supposed to fix them? My friend had braces too and i see very very very little gaps on her teeth.
-I wear a retainer like the one in the pic. You can see my teeth very clearly.
http://www.btorthodontics.com/images/photo_appliance_retainer.jpg

I can see that my friend has very small gaps when she sits across from me when we eat.

 

[Didi]

It depends what you mean by gaps. There are supposed to be gaps. Not giant gaps but we don't know what you mean by gaps. You sound like you are being a perfectionist and paranoid over them. It is completely impossible for them to move after you take your retainer out to eat. That alone tells me you are talking nonsense.

Teeth continually move so they may start to drift apart. But not overnight. Over years. That's why you need to wear the retainer.

edit: why are you giving me a thumb down. The reason you don't see the gaps with the retainer on is because you are looking at them through a piece of plastic so it won't be a clear image, making the 'gap' look smaller. You are being obsessive. You can see your teeth gaps when you look closely, other people can't. That's why you can't see your friend's natural tooth gaps, because you are not pressed up against her mouth, like your mirror probably is to you.

 

[~slamminsinger~]

well, your orthodontist should have asked you if you liked your teeth BEFORE you took your braces off, if they didn't that's their fault. I suppose it all matters on what EXACTLY happened in the situation and how flexible the office is to that situation. If you noticed it after the braces were off and your orthodontist did ask you if you liked them, well, it's your fault. You may be able to talk to the orthodontist office and work out a way where you can get braces again without cost because you were unhappy with the result. There are also other ways to straighten your teeth for less cost, though they are generally less effective. Talk to your dentist/orthodontist about it all for sure though! They know a lot more about ways to effectively reduce those gaps...or maybe even take them all away! Good luck! I hope you end up happy with your teeth!