Hi everyone

On the 25/11/11 I had my braces fitted.

I am 25 years old, though had them fitted while I was still 24. Even though I know there are a lot of adults that have braces, I still can't help feeling too old for them as all my friends had them in their teens, and I rarely if ever see people wearing them!

I would have had them done on the NHS at that age too, but back then my teeth didn't really bother me, even my dentist's opinion was not to. Though as I got older they got a bit more crowded, and I became more concerned about them. The main problem for me was that I have one tooth (the front one) which sticks out quite far. I was happy with my bottom teeth as they're relatively straight so I didn't think my situation would be difficult.

I had booked a consultation back in 2007/08, but I did not like that orthodontist's opinion. He pointed me out to a problem I never knew about, or my dentist even mention. I have a slight overbite and he suggested I have jaw surgery, like it was just nothing! He said it's either that or I get extractions, which apparently would look horrible and that surgery was the way to go. He even said to look at model's profile's. I didn't like this guy and felt he was more concerned with 'perfection' rather than what was best for the patient. I even came on here to look for opinions (which would be in my earlier posts).

This discouraged me for a bit, plus braces are not cheap!

Eventually I went to see another ortho as they were doing free consultations. This orthodontist was much better! She was really nice and never even mentioned surgery until I did. She said it would probably make me look like a man and that I already have a very good profile. And that apparently 80% of people have an overbite any way! So I was relieved to hear that! She said she doubt's there will be enough room without having to extract teeth but that they'll try and see what happens. I'm worried the extractions will make me look worse as I've heard some horror stories! Plus it didn't help the previous ortho I went to see said it would look bad! I don't like the idea of taking healthy teeth out, and the fact it's irreversible. But I have seen many others who have had to have extractions and they have a nice smile, so I suppose I might have to just accept it if it's required!

Here are my pictures. From Day 1 of being braced to 2 months exactly. I've also recently had my second adjustment so hopefully will be seeing more results soon. My front tooth has already gone back and the bottom teeth have straightened out slightly, though I have some gaps there now! (can't see in these pics though)

Day 1



Month 2



I'm liking the changes so far! I look forward to the next coming months!

Thanks for reading.

_________________

Hi Angel,
I have crowding issues too but the ortho reckons we will beable to get things straightened out without the need for extractions.

Glad you didn't need the surgery.. not sure myself what it actually involves but seems a bit extreme to me :-0.

Loving the progress so far.

_________________




My Braces story

Yeah it's really extreme, involves breaking the jaw and resetting it into a different position using screws! And you may even get permanent numbness of the jaw/mouth.

It's always best to get more opinions!

Thanks I love seeing changes especially so early. The top wire was really zig-zaggy at first, but now seems to have straightened out a bit!

_________________

It's been 3 months now and I haven't noticed any new changes

_________________

Update 3 months

_________________

great progress!!!

Thanks! Loving how straight they are getting. Will post better quality photos later on!

_________________

looking great so far

_________________
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

[/url]

Thanks! I recently had my third adjustment. One of my canine teeth is twisted so they've attached a spring to it, hopefully that works! Also she added a wire to close the gaps that have formed in my bottom teeth. Looks like my teeth can be straightened without the need for extractions, but that my teeth will stick out and bite not be as good. So I think I will go ahead with the extractions, just hope it doesn't make me look worse!

_________________

day 1 and now 4 months - braces have been taken off the two premolars for extractions, not looking forward to that!

_________________

For anyone still interested, this is a recent pic from just over 9 months. I had extractions 4 months ago to create space to straighten them and help reduce my overjet. My back teeth are also being pulled forward. I'll be having elastics soon and then I should be done.

_________________

Hi Angel 21

Your piccies look great after the 9 month one. I am just over 3 months in and have seen an amazing difference in my teeth-I have midline diastema with ceramic braces on my upper teeth.

Look forward to seeing your finished result soon

_________________
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]

[/url]

[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]


My braces story: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=42457

Impressions-08/06/12
Big Day-22/06/12
Started using Bite Plate-14/07/12
Estimated treatment-8 months (upper ceramics)
Debond date-04/03/13

Thanks I know it's great how quick they can work! I love noticing the changes. Gaps seem to close up fast, so you shouldn't have too long to wait. I'm a bit worried when my teeth are pushed back my smile won't be as nice (as the extractions can give a narrow smile), but really hoping the result is good.

_________________