Today was a VERY good day - I got braced!!

[Jerseygirl]

Hi - I just turned 46 years old and I got my braces today. This has been something I've been told I should do for about 4-5 years now. I have an open bite, a crossbite in the back, a slight overbite and my teeth themselves do not meet properly when I chew. This has resulted in teeth breaking and needing to be removed. I also have had TMJD for years - which may or may not be due to my poor bite. Regardless, it definitely does not help my TMJD.

I've lost two lower molars as a result of them breaking and root canal failure on first one and root canal not being an option on the 2nd tooth. The tooth I lost most recently was planning on replacing with an implant but I thought about it and spoke to my dentist who urged me once again to consider braces - and I decided that I'm gonna do it!

Attached are a few photos of me before my braces and a few photos from today in my braces. I have metal on the bottom - ortho's suggestion, and the clear ceramic on top. These are not self-ligating - I have ligatures.

Putting the braces on today was a BREEZE - and I also happen to have an AWESOME orthodontist!

[Jerseygirl]

[Jerseygirl]

[Jerseygirl]

[Jerseygirl]

[Jerseygirl]

I have Invu ceramic brackets on top. I'm beginning to feel the inside of my mouth getting irritated so I know I will be using the wax tonight.

[Jerseygirl]

One more

[Jerseygirl]

First adjustment, 3 weeks in braces.
My ortho sees his adult patients every 3 weeks to keep a close eye on us and to swap out our ligatures since many of us have on clear ceramic brackets.

I was nervous - but it was easy. There was a little bit of discomfort from the pressure but now I know what to expect next time.

Didn't go with clear ligs on my ceramic brackets this time, but instead chose more of a tooth colored ligature. Hoping they don't stain as much as clears - but even if they do, it's not a big deal since i return in three weeks.

He said I have had quite a bit of movement on top so far.

I feel no pain yet - he said it won't be nearly like the first few days after I was initially braced.

[Jerseygirl]

New ligs - the clear had stained pretty badly. So it was nice to get new ones. These are tooth colored.
I might go with baby pink or lavendar next time.

[kitsune]

Hey Jerseygirl -

That is an insane amount of movement in just a few weeks! Everything is looking nice and lined up already...you must be so happy!

[Jerseygirl]

Hey Jerseygirl -

That is an insane amount of movement in just a few weeks! Everything is looking nice and lined up already...you must be so happy!

Really? How can you tell? I can't really see much? Thank you!

[Jerseygirl]

Here are a few new pics of me - I'm almost 6 weeks into being braced. I think I see movement on my lower teeth as well as uppers.

Now


Before


Now


Before


Now


Before

[Jerseygirl]

Today I had my 2nd adjustment. I figured it would be less 'uncomfy' than the first but I must admit it was a tad worse. Luckily it is very fast.
But when he puts on the new ligatures - because they are tighter and pull on my teeth, the feeling is far from pleasant. LOL. And certain teeth are more sensitive than others. All to be expected I know - and no 'pain' no gain. The sensation is certainly tolerable. I also admit I'm a BIG baby, and I do have super sensitive teeth. Anyway - glad I'm done for another 3 weeks.

No significant pain now, but gonna pop an Advil as I do get a bit of a headache after an adjustment.

New top ligs - went with the tooth color ligature again, I really like them. Not sure what he used on the bottom - I think they are grey.
I notice my midline is off - he said my teeth will be moving all over the place and to not be concerned, eventually they will all line up fine.

[nikkibabie19]

Wow things r coming along....

Best of luck to you...

Keep us updated

[Jerseygirl]

My upper arch - progress.