Search found 52 matches

by TimSeattle
Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:41 am
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 15 Year Update
Replies: 5
Views: 9980

Re: 15 Year Update

Rather than start a new thread, I'll add to this one. It's been 16 years since I got braces and 13 since I was debanded. My teeth are stiil perfectly aligned, thanks to continued use of retainers ( Essex top and bottom) and good oral hygiene: I prefer to brush with a Sonicare using the DiamondCare s...
by TimSeattle
Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:08 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 15 Year Update
Replies: 5
Views: 9980

15 Year Update

Hi Everyone, I am no longer active on Archwired, but usually post an annual update to cheer on those who are still in braces or have recently had them taken off. I got braces 15 years ago, and had them removed 12 years ago. My teeth are still wonderfully straight and I have a great smile. (An added ...
by TimSeattle
Tue Mar 20, 2018 11:52 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: Problems 10 years later
Replies: 8
Views: 2717

Re: Problems 10 years later

I've been out of braces for 11 years and have experienced a some age-related gum recession that is unrelated to wearing braces I still wear retainers regularly and have had no problems with -my teeth, which are as straight as they were the day I got my braces removed in March 2007
by TimSeattle
Tue Apr 04, 2017 9:47 am
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 10 Years After Braces
Replies: 10
Views: 3850

10 Years After Braces

It's been 10 years since I had my braces removed. Everything is still perfect. I brush with a Sonicare, use regular floss and an electric water flosser daily, and get regular dental check-ups and cleanings. I wear my Essix retainers about one night a week (I had to get new retainers after about five...
by TimSeattle
Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:01 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: Annual Report
Replies: 4
Views: 1232

Re: Annual Report

In answer to the questions above:

I have Essix retainers. At first I wore them round-the-clock for about 3 months, then nightly for a couple of years, then cut back to a few nights a week, now weekly. I had to replace my retainers after about 10 years.
by TimSeattle
Tue Feb 09, 2016 12:35 am
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: Annual Report
Replies: 4
Views: 1232

Annual Report

It's coming up on 9 years since I had my braces removed. Everything is still perfect. I brush with a Sonicare, floss daily, and get dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. I wear my retainer at least one night a week. I could not be happier with my teeth, which will now last a lifetime and ...
by TimSeattle
Sun Nov 01, 2015 5:48 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: How much did your teeth move after getting your braces off and wearing your retainer?
Replies: 22
Views: 18463

Re: How much did your teeth move after getting your braces off and wearing your retainer?

I've been wearing my retainer about every other night for the last year, and every night before that. My teeth haven't shifted in 8 years
by TimSeattle
Tue Mar 24, 2015 7:16 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: Annual Report
Replies: 5
Views: 1931

Re: Annual Report

Checking in with my 8-year report. My teeth are still straight and healthy. I'm only wearing retainer one night a week now. Having braces convinced me of the importance of oral hygiene. The benefits of braces far outweigh the hassle and discomfort of wearing them.
by TimSeattle
Sun Feb 23, 2014 6:52 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: Annual Report
Replies: 5
Views: 1931

Annual Report

It's been 10 years since I got braces and 7 years since I got retainers. I wear my original Essix retainers every night and my teeth are still as straight as the day I got my braces off. I take very good care of my teeth, gums and mouth, all of which I neglected before orthodontics. I could not be h...
by TimSeattle
Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:18 pm
Forum: Metal Mouth Forum
Topic: Rebraced? whats the shortest time you've had between braces?
Replies: 14
Views: 5994

Re: Rebraced? whats the shortest time you've had between bra

If you've done everything correctly, your orthodontist's offer to rebrace you for free is the right thing to do, considering the short time you've been out of braces. Maybe part of the problem is that you had some major stuff done in a short time. I told my orthodontist to take as long as she needed...
by TimSeattle
Mon Apr 01, 2013 3:10 pm
Forum: Metal Mouth Forum
Topic: Am I the oldest in active treatment?
Replies: 22
Views: 2594

Re: Am I the oldest in active treatment?

Wow, Tim, almost three years. Glad it was worth it and you're still following happenings here six years later. Do you ever miss your braces? Every day I wore braces was worth it. I don't miss braces, but if I had to do it over again at my age (64), I'd do it without hesitation. I'm really glad that...
by TimSeattle
Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:52 pm
Forum: Metal Mouth Forum
Topic: Am I the oldest in active treatment?
Replies: 22
Views: 2594

Re: Am I the oldest in active treatment?

I got braces at age 55 and had them until age 58. It's the best thing I ever did for my teeth! They've looked great ever since and because my bite is corrected, I should keep my teeth until the end. I practice excellent dental hygiene, as evidenced by the comments from my hygienist every time I have...
by TimSeattle
Sat Mar 16, 2013 2:42 pm
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 5-Year Report
Replies: 10
Views: 4224

Re: 5-Year Report

Here I am again to report that at the six-year mark, everything is still good! Something that wearing braces taught me is to take great care of my teeth. I do and it pays off. I like some of the newer products that are available for flossing and gum care. And I found a terrific new, flexible tongue ...
by TimSeattle
Thu Sep 20, 2012 4:13 am
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 5-Year Report
Replies: 10
Views: 4224

Re: 5-Year Report

@Braceface--I have had the same pair of Essix retainers for 5 years. I rinse them each morning and clean with a toothbrush without toothpaste. Every once in a while I clean them using a sonic cleaner. I switched to nighttime use only after about 3 months. After a year, you can actually wear the reta...
by TimSeattle
Fri Aug 24, 2012 10:34 am
Forum: The Naked Tooth (Retainers and Life After Braces)
Topic: 5-Year Report
Replies: 10
Views: 4224

5-Year Report

It has been about 5 years since I've had braces. My teeth are still as straight as when the braces were removed. I'm using my original Essix retainers, which I wear every night. I use excellent dental hygiene and have had no cavities or gum problems since braces. I had a right upper molar implant pl...