Hello.....Invu or Clarity? 40 too old?

[Aviol]

Hi

I'm new and would like to introduce myself to and ask a few questions if that's ok?

I turn 40 next year and although I've disliked my teeth for years, recently I've been seriously considering braces and have had 3 consultations. I feel my teeth are slowly getting worse and my 'fangs' more prominent, I think this, in addition to my face aging has made me feel that now is the time to make some changes.

I have moderate overcrowding at the top, mild overcrowding at the bottom and an overbite. At the first consultation I was recommended 6 month smiles, I've decided against this as I just don't feel confident. The second recommended 2 extractions at the top and clarity brackets but as I am unsure about extractions she could treat me without and see how we go, extracting later down the line if I changed my mind. The third recommended Invu brackets and 2 extractions. The last two also said I could use Invisalign, but both said traditional braces would be the preferred treatment.

Anyone have any experience of any of the above? Are Invu brackets smaller than Clarity? Is it worth having the extractions? Am I too old?

Thanks in advance, any advice gratefully received

[kids041]

Well I can't recommend any of the mentioned brackets, as I have traditional metal brackets, but I am 43 and just got mine on 7 days ago. I don't feel too old, I feel liberated with my choice to fix something that has been bothering me for a long time. We deserve to make ourselves happy in what ever way we can.
HTH

[Aviol]

Thanks so much, that really does help.

I think sometimes other peoples reactions don't help, my friends and family seem to think I've lost my marbles.

How's your first week in braces been? Hope it's not too painful and that you start to see a difference really soon.

[kids041]

Thanks so much, that really does help.

I think sometimes other peoples reactions don't help, my friends and family seem to think I've lost my marbles.

How's your first week in braces been? Hope it's not too painful and that you start to see a difference really soon.

My first week has been... interesting....
Painful, pokey, scratchy, lots of pressure, fun, exciting and wonderful.
I do have a lot of pressure on my teeth, which has been the worst part. I know that means that they are doing their job, so I try not to complain too much to my family. I still would not change my decision to get them, even with all the annoyance the have caused me this week.
no visible changes yet...

[JeniK]

Aviol, Welcome. I am 55 . I have had my braces..ceramic on top and metal on the bottom...for 6 days. I am very happy that I now have my braces. I am so looking forward to seeing progress with them!!

[Aviol]

[quote="JeniK"]Aviol, Welcome. I am 55 . I have had my braces..ceramic on top and metal on the bottom...for 6 days. I am very happy that I now have my braces. I am so looking forward to seeing progress with them!![/quote]

Thank you for the welcome. Can't believe I've had two replies from people who've literally just had braces fitted! Hope your first week is going well and is relatively comfortable. Any top tips?

[Aviol]

[quote="kids041"][quote="Aviol"]Thanks so much, that really does help.

I think sometimes other peoples reactions don't help, my friends and family seem to think I've lost my marbles.

How's your first week in braces been? Hope it's not too painful and that you start to see a difference really soon.[/quote]

My first week has been... interesting....
Painful, pokey, scratchy, lots of pressure, fun, exciting and wonderful.
I do have a lot of pressure on my teeth, which has been the worst part. I know that means that they are doing their job, so I try not to complain too much to my family. I still would not change my decision to get them, even with all the annoyance the have caused me this week.
no visible changes yet...[/quote]

Sounds much the way I'd imagine the first week to be, hope things get more comfortable for
soon. I keep trying not to let the discomfort put me off.

[kids041]

Certainly don't let the pain put you off. What is a little bit of pain/inconvenience in relation to feeling better about yourself for the rest of your life?
That is how I look at it

[oldguy]

Oh to be 40 again.............

I put off correcting my teeth ..I'm in my 60's.....All at once

I have a bite problem and teeth are hitting one another... and damage

Solution; Get them aligned or loose them one at a time. I have braces

for a year now.......and yah it hurts at times....not a factor. I can chew

again...even with them on. Don't wait, I think the discomfort is a

function of how many years the teeth have been in the jaw. Easier to move a 20yr

old Oak then a 50yr old oak.

oldguy

[TMJJill]

I started treatment to adjust a bite that had gotten off-kilter and resulted in tmjd issues.

I started with splint therapy just before I turned 40. I got my upper braces on when I turned 40 and added the lowers 11 months later. I'll be getting my braces off 2 days before my 43'd birthday in September.

Are they offering you the traditional Clarity brackets or the Self-ligating kind?

I chose to go with the Damons which are self-ligating. (clear uppers, metal lowers) I was able to significantly increase the size of my upper arch without any extractions. It is a bit of a different treatment philosophy though.

I'm not sure about the difference between the Clarity or Invu. From what I understand the brackets all pretty much work the same. The placement is important. The archwires tend to do the majority of the work. I think the technology of the wires can be pretty incredible.

I'd say that it would be best to go with the Orthodontist you felt most confident with and who has good education/credentials and training in proper bites. If you straighten your teeth without consideration of how well your bite fits, it could cause more problems down the line.

Congrats on your decision to do something so important for yourself.

[JeniK]

I am a lucky one....I have almost no pain from my braces. A little pokey bracket for a couple of days. Couple of tender teeth. I have a molar who wants to make sure I know it is there. But I thought I was going to be in more pain than what I am. I have taken tylenol maybe 2 times since I have had them on. Now chewing is nothing short of a miracle though! That is the toughy for me. I have bit under my lower lip more times than I care to count! OW!! Finding the chewing surface with molar buildups...I have not figured out yet!!

[Aviol]

Thanks for all your support and advice, it's much appreciated as this can feel like a bit of a lonely journey at times.

It's not really the pain that puts me off, I figure if I can give birth twice with no pain relief, then braces will be a doddle! It's more that I can't imagine how I'm going to feel or react to it, I don't want to be grumpy and horrible to live with!

Damons really interest me, I hate the thought of extracting perfectly healthy teeth and would prefer not to if at all possible but I've not been to see anyone who specialises in them yet, I may look into having another consultation before making a decision.

There was definitely one orthodontist I felt more comfortable with, I just felt at ease with her and trusted her.

I do really want to do this, I just need to give myself that final push......

[Aviol]

Sorry, just reread and I was a bit unclear but I can't work out how to edit from my phone. When I say I don't know how I'll react to 'it' I mean wearing braces, everything about it, from the way they feel to the way they look, I'm all to aware that this isn't a quick fix and I'm likely to be wearing these for two years, it feels like a big leap of faith. I hope this is making some sense

[mysticgirl916]

One of my aunts got braces in her 40s, that's what kind of put me at ease when I got my braces. Keep us updated on your progress

[chichi]

Sorry, just reread and I was a bit unclear but I can't work out how to edit from my phone. When I say I don't know how I'll react to 'it' I mean wearing braces, everything about it, from the way they feel to the way they look, I'm all to aware that this isn't a quick fix and I'm likely to be wearing these for two years, it feels like a big leap of faith. I hope this is making some sense

What you're feeling is perfectly normal. I read so many of the braces stories on these boards and I believe it prepared me as far as what to expect. You won't know EXACTLY how it feels until you get them on, but you can read everyone's experiences and know that it's going to feel awkward, bulky, pokey, tight, and a whole bunch of other things. You're not going to be miserable for the 2 years you're wearing them... my initial crankiness stemmed from hunger because I had trouble eating, but it passes within the first couple weeks and you eventually go back to your normal life (just with these rocks glued to your teeth).

It is taking a huge leap of faith, which is also why you need to make sure you find an ortho who knows your concerns and makes you feel comfortable.