What would you do?

[Aviol]

So, I have a brace on date of 10 July for my uppers with two extractions to follow, not sure when extractions will take place as it depends on the movement of my teeth.

However, I have a holiday booked and my step brothers wedding in the last fortnight of August and have concerns about the possibility of needing extractions close to this time. I've spoken to the dental nurse who has advised that because they don't know when the extractions will be required I would probably be best delaying the start of treatment until after the wedding.

But, I'm unable to take any time off work during the first three weeks of September so this will take me to the end of September before I can have my brace fitted.

I'm itching to get started but don't have any idea how painful extractions might be or whether they'll potentially spoil my holiday and the wedding. The other plus to delaying treatment is that it will allow me a little time to save some money towards my treatment, as some of you may have read, I've been having a money wobble too.

What are your experiences of extraction? Shoulda I just go for it and hope for the best? What would you do?

TIA

[SpottedPickle]

I really cannot answer that, it is such a personal thing. For me I have wanted this too long, and need it done for me, so it will take precedent and I would do all I could do still have fun, but maybe in other ways at the events:) If your money issues are enough and it will really help it is certainly something to consider.

I have noticed that it all depends on the extractions as far as pain. It depends where they are, if they are impacted, and other issues that may present themselves.

[parsleysage]

I would wait. The extractions themselves aren't painful in my experience, but your jaw kind of aches for a few days and it feels quite weird eating with the empty space in your gums. You also have to eat soft food for several days, so depending on the timing, it could interfere.

I was really disappointed when I had to push back my braces due to getting a crown done, but ultimately it was the right choice. I think this is a sign Give it to the end of September and save up some money in the meantime. Good luck!

[Featheryy1221]

I would just wait, saving money is always a good thing. You might be on the soft food diet, so you might not be able to enjoy all the food at the wedding, be in slight pain, etc. It seems like some people have pain when they get teeth extracted, others don't. So it's going to depend on you personally.

[jaime]

Personally, I'd just go ahead and do it, but I'm also the one who had SARPE right before Christmas (thus missing out on about 6-7 dinners).

Saving money is also totally a bonus if that's a concern for you. Waiting sucks, but it's important not to go broke for straight teeth.

[kathydell]

I think it's more a case of whether you want the braces on for the wedding vs. the extractions. If they had to hold off a week or two on the extractions until after the wedding, I doubt that would matter very much in the grand scheme of things. There will always be something going on in your life that could make you wait - a party, a vacation, a presentation or trip at work. But, once you start moving forward you figure out how to adjust for those things. But it's a very personal decision and I think you should talk to the ortho directly vs taking the advice of the tech. One thing I've learned in my treatment - talk to the ortho - the techs don't always know your goals. They can help with things like pokie wires and such but when it comes to your treatment plan, the ortho is king.

[Aviol]

Thanks everyone, I've decided to wait. The wedding is a really big event in my life, my husband is best man, and I really want it to be a day to remember for all the right reasons. Any other events as big or meaningful to me really are few and far between.

The other reason is money. If I wait until the end of Sept it gives me the opportunity to save and make the financial burden of braces much easier. I'm hoping I can save enough to cover the extractions and composite bonding I need. That way I can pay for the appliance/s as I go through treatment without too much difficulty.

I'm disappointed to be waiting as I'm all geared up for this, but my heart is telling me it's the right thing to do. I've waited all these years, what's another few weeks wait on top?

Thanks again, I really appreciate your support and help.

[SpottedPickle]

I am glad that you made a choice fitting for you! It is hard to back off when you are going full tilt forward! Hopefully the wait and the financial perk of waiting will make everything a bit of a better experience. Financial issues on top of possible extraction and braces pain is just so stressful!

[Ciara]

Sounds like you've made a very wise decision. It's hard to put things on hold like this but this should make it much easier for you.