I'm going to get braces this year!

[NeilH]

Firstly, hello everyone.

I'm looking forward to recording my progress through braces when I get them later this year and reading about all your experiences.

To cut a long story short, I had braces in my 20s but the dentist I used closed his practice and they were taken off part way through the treatment. At the time life just continued and I didn't really think much about it but in the last couple of years it has really started to bother me. I have some crowding on the bottom, some twisted teeth and spacing on the top. I also think I have a bit of an overbite as my top teeth cover most of my bottom ones which I guess isn't quite right.

I finally have the opportunity to do something about it so with much trepidation, popped into my local orthodontist to have a chat. After completing the new patient forms I made an appointment for an initial consultation.

In the last couple of years I have been doing loads of research into orthodontics so felt fairly confident that I would be able to enter into it this time with my eyes wide open. I had my consultation recently and was very impressed with the orthodontist and the staff. I was made to feel welcome and put at ease instantly. I was not considered suitable for Invisalign and Incognito would be well outside my price range. This left a choice of ceramic or metal fixed braces on both arches. My orthodontist has steered me towards metal brackets which is pretty much in line with what I had already settled on.

I go back in a few weeks for records, moulds, photo's etc and will update you on my progress after that. If anyone wishes to share experiences as an adult wearing metal brackets I would be really interested in your thoughts. Likewise, anyone who thinks I should reconsider ceramic or Incognito, please also share.

Thanks.

[dobiegil]

Welcome to the board!!!! I can't say much about ceramics or incognito, but can about metal brackets. I have damons on both arches and I am very happy with them. In fact, I wear them with pride. I am a 44 year old professional and I have had no problems due to the braces.

Hope this helps,
Robin

[NeilH]

Thanks Robin. I'm 45 now and am pleased to hear you have no issues professionally! It is one of my concerns but can live with other people's reactions so will not allow it to put me off.

[rhibee83]

Hi Neil and welcome!

I am about to be braced in metal braces I am not sure what make they are etc, all I know is I am looking forward to it

I was told by the ortho that metal would be best treatment for me, so I am happy with the idea!

I get my brackets on in 11 days and my archwire on 16 days I am so tired of waiting! haha

Good luck

[Tobilei]

Hi and welcome to the board

If you're comfortable with metal brackets I'd just go for those. Some of us are fine with them, others prefer the ceramic only because they're less noticable (I've had a few people not notice mine at all and you can't see them in photo's, they're not invisible though). The ceramics are a little bigger in the mouth though which is a compromise some of us are happy to make and others of us not.

[NeilH]

Thanks for your kind comments. Now I have made the decision I just want to go for it but common sense dictates that I wait for a couple of months so one stage at a time. Records appointment next and some detailed questions on what my treatment will involve.

[Tobilei]

The waiting is the worst bit, but yes, you want to get it all done properly. Such a process involved isn't there?

[NeilH]

I'm finding the waiting really hard. Not a day goes by when I don't think about getting started and what it might involve so can't wait for the next appointment in a couple of weeks time.

[Tobilei]

Haha, I remember running on the treadmill at the gym the week before and daydreaming about how on earth I was going to run with braces on (if they were sore, not in general). I even dreamed about getting them on (with a couple of odd nightmares thrown in for good measure). You sort of become temporarily obsessed

[belistic10]

i can recommend the ceramics, no idea what incognito is lol i have them on the upper 6 which are the most visible and the rest are metal i guess to avoid breakages. so far i havent had anything break, in the beginning the ceramic are definately less irritable on the gums as far as ulcers go, and definately less noticeable which i liked. I am 27, goodluck!

[plugnickel69]

I'm finding the waiting really hard. Not a day goes by when I don't think about getting started and what it might involve so can't wait for the next appointment in a couple of weeks time.

I remember when I finally decided to go ahead with braces and was discussing financial arrangements, and the next thing I knew I was informed my appointment for installation would be 8 days away. I remember the butterflies in my stomach as I sat there thinking "I'm finally doing this!" Those 8 days seemed like a month as I dealt with both the anxiety and fears coupled with the desire to get started. By the way, all the fears and anxieties were totally unfounded. It's hard to believe that was 14 months ago. The time has flown by, and I've never been bothered by any pain, just minor discomfort at times.

As far as ceramics versus metal, I think that's just a personal choice, though for some it's a monetary issue as well as ceramics often cost more. I have ceramics upper and lower "social six" and people just don't seem to notice or care. When I compared there was not much difference in size between the ceramics and the metals. In fact, they are not very big at all and are very smooth. When they were first installed I couldn't believe how inconspicuous they were. They've had no impact whatsoever on my professional life.

Just go with your gut. Either is a good choice.

[NeilH]

Thank you for your comments and advice, it's really appreciated. I'm going through this cycle of wanting to get started followed by periods of self doubt. My internal dialogue is based around perceived other people's negative reactions closely followed by 'I'm doing this for me so can't care less what they think'! It is also the thought of putting such a large sum of money towards something for me which probably says more about self worth than anything else. When I rationalise it, it isn't a lot of money compared to the enormous benefits it will bring me, nobody will really care that much about me wearing braces, it won't effect my career and the end goal will be worth any minor inconveniences caused by undertaking this. Still can't wait for the next appointment though!

[NeilH]

Next appointment for photos, impressions etc. tomorrow!! I have written a list of over a dozen questions to ask covering everything from treatment planning to frequency of adjustments and expected end result. Hope I have time to ask them all. Will update you tomorrow.

[rhibee83]

Next appointment for photos, impressions etc. tomorrow!! I have written a list of over a dozen questions to ask covering everything from treatment planning to frequency of adjustments and expected end result. Hope I have time to ask them all. Will update you tomorrow.

Good luck for your appointment tomorrow!! Impressions are not to bad

I have my metal braces on now! Been going ok, alot of pressure on the front top and bottom teeth, one of my bottom teeth is wobbly and feels weird! I think it is moving as now i hit it with a tooth on top! ouch!

I have only had a tiny bit of trouble with brackets rubbing, i just piled wax on when I slept and then woke up and it was ok in about 2 days

People have noticed them, a few mention them, others just stare. I hate people staring... i would rather they just say something, ANYTHING... not just gorke into my mouth like im some kinda freak.

but i am getting used to them! and I am already going to go baby pink ligs on my first adjustment in 4 weeks

I can already see a difference in my teeth and they have already moved! it is exciting!!

you will do fine, looking forward to hearing about how you go tomorrow!

ps feel free to see pics of mine in my blog below

[NeilH]

Well what a great appointment today. I arrived half an hour early and used this time to relax and calm down! The orthodontic therapist took me through and immediately put me at ease. I can't describe how gentle and professional she was and felt in caring hands throughout.

First came the photos with lip retractors keeping everything out of the way. I was surprised just how sore they were and that was only for a few minutes whilst the photos were taken. Better get used to it for the fitting (more about that later). Next came the dreaded impressions. I have had them before and I found it difficult not to gag throughout but this time no problems apart from one little cough and splutter. The therapist was just so kind and gentle and caring throughout and it all went so easily and quickly.

Next a long chat with the orthodontist going through the 15 questions I had prepared. He spent over half an hour clearly explaining everything to me and we discussed all the options and my expectations throughout treatment. I'm going for conventional metal brackets top and bottom, bite turbo's behind my front teeth to prevent my top teeth coming in contact with the lower brackets and he expects to use elastics at some point during the treatment.

It was then off for the x-ray and a further chance to ask any questions before heading off. I have a date booked for getting started on 10th May!!!! OMG. Can't believe I'm actually going ahead with this. And only in a few weeks time. Lots to do before then, off to the dentist for a thorough cleaning and try and find some money to pay for it.

Overall, what a day and still overwhelmed by the incredible care I received from everyone.