I was reading the post about braces and wonder if anyone has noticed a change in the alignment of their teeth post treatment. Clark's teeth on his upper jaw have shifted and he believes it is from his fluoride trays. Consequently, he has stopped using them. Hmmm...

He had 2 molars removed last November on the upper right side, Why would his teeth appear to be sliding forward, crowding his front teeth? Also, his teeth are darker and more brittle. Our dentist is going to use a bonding agent on a tooth that recently chipped. Clark wants to use whitening strips to brighten his smile.

Anyone want to weigh in here?

Hi Anita

I can relate to this (just for something different!!!)

Before radiotherapy I had 2 wisdom teeth and one upper crown tooth removed. Following radiotherapy, the space where the crown tooth was taken from closed over, my jaw had contracted. On the upper left side (where most of the radiotherapy was aimed) I have also had 2 teeth move from being straight to bending inwards.

My upper natural teeth haven't discolored. I get them cleaned every 2 months at the dental hygenist. The flouride might be the cause. Is Clark using a mouthwash, because several mouthwashes can cause teeth to discolor.

Take care

Karen

He needs to get back to his dentist and he should not stop using the trays. I still use mine 4 years post Tx and my dentist says I should continue forever which I hope is a long time. lol

Anita, I had to have my teeth removed due to problems from radiation. My teeth loosened and were wiggly like a little kid's. They werent discolored that I can remember. Its terrible being without teeth, hope Clark's can be corrected. I have trismus so bad that the dentist cant get a mold in to make dentures.

David,
Clark goes to the dentist every three months for cleaning. But I agree he should be using the trays for the rest of his life. He is stubborn. He thinks the trays have caused the shifting of his teeth. I don't buy that. If anything, the trays may have helped keep his teeth in line a little longer. But what do I know. I am not a dentist or an orthodontist. Maybe the shifting of his teeth was inevitable, given the numerous surgeries and radiation.

Christine,
Clark did use a rinse post surgery (07) that did cause some discoloration. He hasn't used anything since then. Did you mean that fluoride can cause staining, too? I had forgotten that you had your teeth removed. Geez, discolored and crooked teeth are a small concern compared to not having them at all.

Karen,
The one tooth that is the worst has slid toward the inside of his mouth, behind the other teeth. I'm guessing that radiation is the main cause for this, NOT the removal of his molars.

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

Anita

Hi Anita,
I strongly suspect he is using Gel-Kam, HUP reommended, or some other .4 stannous flouride which does cause major discoloration of the teeth. This is what I use and my teeth are darker than when I was a cigarrette smoker. I get mine cleaned and polished every two months by my periodontist. There is a 1.1 some other type of flouride that is not supposed to stain as badly but it is also not supposed to be as effective. Thus far, I have not found any brand available in our area. I did have my teeth professionally whitened by my prosthodontist and it was after that that I started to develop all sorts of cavities eventually leading me to have all my teeth capped (I only have 12, they pulled the others before rads). My dentist says no relation and he is a MDA graduate so should know but I wonder if the bleach on the radiated teeth was just too much. Clark does need to keep using his trays if he wants to keep his teeth. Maybe see if you can find some of that other flouride that doesn't stain as badly. If you do, let me know the brand.

Take care,
Eileen

One other question? Why does he think the trays are causing misalignment of the teeth. They are only supposed to be used once a day for a maximum of 30 minutes preferably before going to bed. How long is he leaving them in?

Take care,
Eileen

Ok I am totally confused. I use the 1.1 and I am being told not to use it but 10 minutes max per day. I swear it is actually making my teeth whiter.
As to whiting, both my Business Partner and I had our teeth whitened several years ago. Within a year, this was BC (Before Cancer) both of us started having to get multiple crowns. Of course the dentist said there was no connection. I will not ever do it again.

We have had this discussion before and found "us people" were told everything from am to pm and 3 mins to 30 mins but he really needs to get back to his dentist and let the dentist answer his/your questions because I doubt he will listen to you or to us.

The fluoride that tends to stain some people's teeth is Stannous Fluoride (usually about 0.4%).

The fluoride that does not seem to stain the teeth is Sodium Fluoride (usually about 1.1%).

I was switched early on due to a severe staining problems. I was also told the Sodium Fluoride is as effective overall, because we apply it so frequently.

The brand of Sodium Fluoride I use is call Neutra Maxx 5000 GEL, but there are a lots of brands that should be equivalent.

I get mine for $12 per a 4.3oz squeeze bottle at the Cancer Center's Prosthodontist office. Also my regular dentist has told me he can get it for me.

I have been using my trays for two years with no cavities - 10min, no food or drink for 1hr, usually at night (but not always).

Eileen,
You asked why Clark believes that the trays are causing his teeth to shift. He mystifies me. It doesn't make sense. The trays are in for just minutes. I have to tread gently with him on this topic.

SedaBug,
Thanks for the info on pro whitening. I often wondered if there was a trade off, ie, increased sensitivity, etc.

DonB,
Thanks for the sodium fluoride brand name. Going to ask our dentist if he can get it for us.