"Progress can be subtle, sure, but sometimes there's more effective routes out there..."
Yeah, this really resonates with me. I've been feeling stuck too and honestly a bit anxious about the lack of noticeable progress. Maybe it's time I get a second opinion... thanks for sharing your experience, it helps knowing I'm not alone in this.
I went through something similar a few years back—felt like my braces were just spinning wheels after a certain point. Finally got another ortho to take a look, and turns out surgery was actually the better option for my underbite. Might be worth exploring...?
"felt like my braces were just spinning wheels after a certain point."
I totally get that feeling—been there myself. Sometimes braces alone just can't fully correct an underbite, especially if it's skeletal rather than dental. Surgery can sound intimidating at first (trust me, I was nervous too...), but honestly, it made a huge difference for me. Might be worth getting another opinion just to see if you're in the same boat. Good luck either way!
I had a similar experience and honestly, the "spinning wheels" thing describes it perfectly. From what I've gathered, braces alone can only correct an underbite if it's mainly dental. Once your orthodontist starts talking about skeletal issues, things get trickier because braces can't shift bone structure—just teeth.
You might want to ask specifically if your underbite is skeletal or dental. If it's skeletal, surgery could be on the table. I know surgery sounds scary (I'm still debating myself), but I've talked to a few people who've gone through it and most say it was worth the hassle. Another option could be consulting with a second orthodontist or even an oral surgeon just to get clarity on your situation. Sometimes a fresh perspective helps you see options your current provider hasn't covered yet.
Either way, you're definitely not alone in feeling stuck... orthodontic treatment can be such a long haul. Hang in there.
"orthodontic treatment can be such a long haul. Hang in there."
Totally feel this. When you're in the middle of it, braces seem like they're never coming off—I swear mine were on forever. But honestly, once you get clarity on what's causing your underbite (skeletal vs dental), things tend to feel less overwhelming. You might even find surgery isn't as daunting as it sounds... I know a couple people who went through it, and they're super happy now. You're doing great just by exploring your options!
