Braced with pics

[Rosie]

Hi Everyone

I have an overbite and I suppose I started to dislike my teeth in my late teens. I'm 26 now and I've decided it's now or never. So given I've spent a lot of time on this site recently, i've decided to make a contribution as I enjoyed reading everyone else's stories so much. I suppose it's been very supportive and comforting knowing that others are going through the same thing. Some of you on this site are so positive about you're situations and i have to warn you I'm not at that stage yet but maybe soon.

Well my appointment last friday seemed very rushed. It was arranged for 4.40pm on a friday so I'm guessing the orthodontist had some socialising to be doing with her gorgeous perfect teeth!!! She told me I would need two extractions on top, I could have ceramic brackets on top and much to my dissappointment metal braces on the bottom. I have come to terms with and fully understand the reason for her recommending metal on bottom (only after some invaluable advice from other users on this site). However I'm still in shock about the extractions that are needed. Two perfectly good teeth- there has to be another way. (Hopefully)

So my experience was strange I really couldn't take everything in and i felt more time was spent on finances than the actual procedure. After speaking to my dentist today I've decided to get a second opinion. If the next orthodontist recommends the same thing well at least I'll have peace of mind, it might be expensive peace of mind but hey!!!

So in the mean time I'm gonna concentrate on giving up cigarettes!!!

[Rosie]

I should add that it's a it's a class II division II malocclusion I have......Is it common to need teeth removed to correct the bite????

Thanx for your positive comments.

[Rosie]

Well I would have to wait three months for another consultation so I've decided to forget about that and go with my original orthodontist. I had an appointment today and it was far more informative....

I got a copy of my assessment!! More issues than I thought!!!!
Here it is

R presents with a Class II division 2 incisor relationship on a skeletal II base, with an average maxillary mandibular plane angle. the overjet is positive at 1mm, while the overbite is C100%. There is mild crowding in the upper arch and no crowding in the lower arch. the upper and lower centre lines are correct. the left and right molar relationships are full unit class II.

Proposed treatment plan

Stage 1: Extractions upper right 4 and upper left 4, this will provide space to correct the malocclusion.

Stage 2: Upper and lower fixed appliance. Align teeth / reduce overbite and overjet / close space

Stage 3: Bonded retainer - Semi permanent retainer

Stage 4 : Retainers - to hold stability of teeth.

So I didn't know I had an overjet or crowding untill today - but hey why not throw a few more issues at me i can handle it!!!! I don't understand the ' skeletal II base' bit or the part about my mandibular. I'll go and do a bit research or if anyone else has the same kinda issues please let me know? So this is the plan-

Extractions and spacers - 2nd of Nov

Braces ceramic uppers metal lowers - 6th of Nov

Lovely ugly metal mouth just in time for all the Christmas parties!!! And right in time for my presentations at university, WooHoo!!!!

Oh yeah - part of the original plan was to stop smoking - tried it and failed the first time I went for drinks at the students union! Will/ Must try harder!

Can't wait to start putting up progress photo's!!!

[Rosie]

Well the braces are on two weeks and four days, who's counting!!!
I've stopped smoking and I can finally eat some soft solid foods..Woohoo





I really don't have any regrets about doing this, a part from the odd occasion when I get self conscious about my extraction gaps, I almost forget I've got braces!!!!
Sorry about the picture quality I'm sure my boyfriend will get better at taking pics of my teeth as time goes on!!!!

[timewaster]

Your teeth are lovely to begin with so you'll have a stunning smile when it's all said and done. Don't worry too much about having metal lowers. I have them, and most people don't notice them at all because my lips usually cover them up. Good luck with your treatment. Keep taking pictures!