Don't feel comfortable talking to people with extraction gap

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#16 Post by **jackie100** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 4:43 am

Meryaten wrote:
jackie100 wrote:To be honest, I changed my mind about the braces in general, I don't mind the braces so much anymore
Now that's progress. I'm glad to know you're feeling better about it.

Well, yea, I do feel better about it. I didn't think so many people wouldn't care about it so that does make me feel better. I am not afraid to admit I was wrong with my initial point of view.

#17 Post by **dubnobass** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:36 am

jackie100 wrote:I just wonder if people in general are aware of the fact that if someone has big extraction gaps that it's due to the braces and part of the treatment? Before I had braces I wasn't even really conscious of this, if I saw someone with gaps I would assume it's due to hygiene problems etc.

I'd guess that with the braces in place, people would be more likely to notice the braces than the gaps.

To veer slightly OT, my husband (who doesn't have braces but does have very crooked teeth) is missing one of his upper front teeth. He was mugged about 7 years ago and they hit him in the mouth with a bottle; it broke his incisor off under the gum and he had to have it removed. He's had the base for an implant put in, but has never got round to having the fake tooth fitted. He seems to quite like his gappy look - I have always suspected because he is extremely posh, and he probably thinks having a gap in his front teeth makes him look a bit more 'street'. I am always quick to point out to others that he was mugged, he wasn't in a fight, no no no. Nobody ever thinks it was due to bad hygeine - it's always "What happened to him?"

I'm glad you feel better about your braces Jackie. You don't have to love them, but if they don't really bother you anymore, you can live with that

#18 Post by **Lisa65** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:28 am

I'm also glad you feel a bit better about them Jackie. See, we do care on here

Re the extraction gaps - you might find that they close to some extent purely from the straightening of your front teeth. If your front teeth are crowded then some of the extraction gap will probably be taken up in the earlier stages of treatment. I'm sure that anybody noticing that you have gaps will realise that it's down to the braces rather than lack of dental care on your part.

#19 Post by **lelerz** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:38 pm

I had the 4 extraction gaps too and was in the same boat as you were ... very self conscious! Even worse, people actually made comments about it all the time to me! So I just did closed-mouth smiles and covered my mouth when I laughed. And to make myself feel better, I told myself, no pain... no gain. Just the sacrifices you gotta make to get that perfect smile in the end.

This is a photo of one of the gaps... it was like this for a whole year!

And just taken a few weeks ago, when it was finally closed!

A year of awkwardness is worth a lifetime of nice teeth =)

#20 Post by **roxiee** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:20 am

Ill be honest about my extractions.....I would wake up stressed out every morning for 2 mnths until i actually went thru with the whole thing.If u think its hard to get your bicuspids extracted, i had to have my canines and lateral extracted ...now that was bad!!! looking...Ive got pics to show the horror
viewtopic.php?t=22722
Its worth it in the end. Ive learned not to care wht other ppl think.

#21 Post by **Rosie** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 7:32 am

I get paranoid about my extraction gaps at times too. BUT i think keep telling yourself people really can't be that shallow to judge you on appearance!!!! And really if they are that shallow well well who wants to know!!! I know that sound like the kind of advise you would give to a kid but us adults have to try remember the basics!!! I love it when people ask me questions about my treatment, I've only had these gaps for three weeks and sometimes i forget they're even there!!!!

#22 Post by **lelerz** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:09 am

Meryaten wrote:Maybe it's just me, but all I ever think when I see gaps like that is "goodness that looks painful!"

ETA: Even though I realise it most likely isn't! Painful that is.

No pain at all (well, during the extraction itself -- that's a different story), but a little drafty sometimes

#23 Post by **gwynneth23** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:26 pm

Hi Jackie,

I just want to say "Well done!" for going ahead with this treatment. You should give yourself a big pat on the back every day and be proud of yourself. Definitely stand tall, give everyone a warm, broad smile that it lights up your face - and no-one will even notice your braces or gaps!

You say that you scrutinise other people quite closely. You can be sure that actually you are very unusual to notice other people in that way - most people will not be looking at you that closely at all! And remember too that your gaps are much more obvious to you than to anyone else. Remember you look at yourself in the mirror and you are standing maybe 3 or 6 inches from your reflection. Most people will be stood at least 2 feet away and will not really notice your gaps.

Also, I am sure that as you are wearing braces, people will realise that the gaps must be there to make room for your teeth to move into line. I think that would be quite obvious to most people. Personally I felt a little self-conscious about my gaps before I had my braces fitted (two weeks delay between extractions and having brace fitted) but now I don't give it a thought - and the gaps aren't so obvious anyway, because of the wires running in front.

You will attract people much more if you smile warmly and seem outgoing, rather than not smiling and looking miserable!!

All the best with your treatment.

#24 Post by **AngelOfLife** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:57 pm

I was so scared to even step out my door after my extractions, it looked and felt so odd!

It's just one of those things that you get over in time, 7 months on and I don't care what people think of the fact I have braces. Whereas before I was really self-conscious about it all.

Given time, it'll become easier.

#25 Post by **kazan again** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:09 pm

I am normally so good at biting my tongue - metaphorically speaking folks - but cant stop myself today. Honestly what a load of angst in a teacup. You know when someone just needs a good slap.........