Finally did it.

[daveq]

Hello all. I am 48 and have had braces for 7 weeks now. I have always needed them, but like many people, my parents could not afford them. I have always flirted with the idea of getting braces as an adult, but I wanted my kids to be taken care of first. My son spent two years in braces and then a few years later my daughter got her braces, which were removed about a year ago.

I must admit that at this age and being a professional, I felt a little silly and embarrassed. However, the combination of my crooked/crowded teeth and my overbite has caused a lot of chipping, which was only going to get worse. After my last cleaning at the dentist, I came home and immediately told my wife I was going to call the ortho and get braces. She was all for it and very supportive.

I went to the same orthodontist who treated both of my kids and had the braces put on. I was so relieved once it was over, and I feel pretty good about it. Other than a little soreness (especially after my first adjustment last week), everything is going smooth. My treatment should last 18-24 months.
Looking forward to hanging out here!

[aspiromusings]

2 days in! how are you coping?

I myself am 33 and will be getting the top row put in 27t March this year

Which ones did you get? How were the first 48 hours? Any tips?

Most of the stories I've read on here indicates that the worst pain should be over after 2 days - hope it is the case

Keep us updated on your progress! I will post mine as soon as I have it

[daveq]

I got the Damon braces, which both of my kids had (their teeth turned out beautiful, by the way!). I got the top and bottom braces at the same time and two bite turbos behind my upper canines, to prevent my upper teeth from coming into contact with my lower braces and doing some damage. I also have to wear class II elastics.

The first 48 wasn't too bad. Just felt very strange. The actual procedure to put them on went fairly quick with no real pain, just some minor discomfort. My teeth just felt very tight and squeezed together. I was a little sore for a couple of days, but that was it. The worst part, by far, was getting used to the turbos. They prevented my teeth from coming together, so eating anything other than soup or very soft foods was impossible! I got used to it though, and was gradually able to eat more substantial foods.

I actually experienced much more discomfort after my first adjustment. My teeth were quite sore for most of last week, to the point that I had to take some pain reliever.

The good news is that I am seeing some real progress already, which is exciting.

Good luck with your braces, hope it all goes well for you.

[aspiromusings]

Mine will be clear ceramic on the top, and most probably metal on the bottom

Extractions will come in about 4 months into the treatment depending on how quick my teeth move

Estimated sentence is 2-2.5 years

I am actually looking forward to it now that the whole pondering if I should get it process is over and am looking forward to a straighter smile =)

Good luck to us!

[tg82]

Howdy from Canada.

32 year old here and I got my braces on yesterday! Ceramics on top and metal at the bottom. Elastics on and a bite ramp at the back of my mouth.

Some mild discomfort so far, having to stick to a soft food diet for the time being. Also got a lisp which is quite annoying especially at work and at events. Hoping the lisp goes away quickly (or the bite ramp gets removed fast!)

[daveq]

I was lisping a bit too. I found I had to speak a little slower at first, until I got accustomed to all the new hardware in my mouth.

[aspiromusings]

Good luck guys

[Damian727]

Howdy from Canada.

32 year old here and I got my braces on yesterday! Ceramics on top and metal at the bottom. Elastics on and a bite ramp at the back of my mouth.

Some mild discomfort so far, having to stick to a soft food diet for the time being. Also got a lisp which is quite annoying especially at work and at events. Hoping the lisp goes away quickly (or the bite ramp gets removed fast!)

Am 50 days in to lower arch braces & bite ramp treatment and can understand your frustration with the lisp caused by the bite ramp.

My lisp is still there but most people don't notice it (except if I've had a bit of alcohol when it gets more pronounced!) but am still fairly diet restricted because of problems with chewing with the ramp in.

[Nz101]

Dave, Im 48 too and just had mine on for 4 days now. Have lots of sores and its not really fun, but I keep thinking of the end result, have wanted this for years.


Damian, I have a lisp too, ohhhh no, Im finding it a bit embarrassing and am trying my hardest to talk properly. Hope this goes away soon.