The start of my braces journey (pics included)

[Tlal23]

Hi everyone,
I'm a 35 year old mum with 3 girls 12, 2.5 & 1.
I'm from Melbourne AUstralia.

I have always hated my teeth up close but could usually get away with them looking straight in photos on the right angle.
But since having my two youngest my teeth have moved and now they look terrible in every picture.

I never really wanted braces when I was younger but as I got older I always had moments where all I could think about we're teeth. Everywhere I looked people had perfect teeth!
But I could never really afford it. Fast forward to now and thanks to a $6,000 win fall I thought yep I'm going to do it!

I'm nervous but very excited since reading and seeing everyone's stories on here.

I had my first ever orthodontist consult two weeks ago. They sent me forms to fill in prior and a referral for bulk billed X-rays. The consult was goodbyt was hard to understand him some of the time. His assistant was very nice and went through everything in more detail after he left.

She showed me the braces, elastics as ill need a tooth pulled, power chains so that I didn't freak out when I needed them. She went through what you can and can't eat.

She then did a costing for me and printed it out. They have a paypent plan too which helps. I was quoted $7,200 for.

Just received (1 week after consult) the plan.

- lips do not meet at rest
- decreased facial height.
- overbite
Overjet 6mm over lower front teeth
Moderate crowding in upper and lower arch.
Upper are 3mm right of centre
Chipped upper left incisor (21)
Market white spot on lateral incisor (22)
Attrition is evident on anterior teeth fr lower left canine to lower right canine?
Generalised gingvae recession 1-2mm?

Areas of inflammation are present at the junction of the gum tissue and tooth?
Gum tissue surrounding teeth is minimal in some areas?'

Upper and lower teeth tipped forward

Treatment to straighten and correct route alignment, resolve existing bite, extraction of upper tooth required, and there is a risk that existing recession might worsen? What does that mean?

[Tlal23]

Yesterday I decided I should get another quote, so I'm booked in for two weeks away. This consult however this one won't be free. It's $120 for half an hour. Nor did they get my address so I assume unlike the other they won't be sending for for X-rays, not that it matters because I would of told them I'd just had some.

This one however is closer and open on Saturdays.

Ok so coming up I have;
15th oct- dentist for a filling
17th- surgeon to check an unknown particle in my jaw.
23rd- second consult. Will have to change as I have something on.
Then need to book back in to see first ortho if that's what I decide.
Then need to book with my dentist for an extraction.
18th Nov- family holiday

[Tlal23]

Pics included once I know how to make them smaller

[Tlal23]

So update time. On the 7th of jan I had my tooth removed, it was difficult to get out being a healthy tooth.
I was worried I had a dry socket so bought some oil of clove and lots of salt water rinses and all was well.

Fast forward to yesterday the 17th of jan and time for my braces. The actually putting on wasn't painful, slightly uncomfortable on occasion but not too bad. I did however nearly gag on the flavour of the wash they do.

I was surprised I could talk fine afterwards but now it's getting harder. The back top molar is giving my some grief and just the weird sensation is hard at the moment.
It feels like I constantly have stuff stuck in my teeth.

Last night I went to bed with wax everywhere and probably will again tonight. I already have a sore on my lip and a few inside my mouth.

Tell me it gets easier?

Hope the before pics worked.

[Tlal23]

And now for brace pics

[Matilda]

Tell me it gets easier?

Absolutely! Just give it a few days.

[NeilH]

Hi, congratulations on getting started. We all have very different experiences but most of us soon get used to having braces and quickly adapt. I've had mine for 8 months and barely think about them at all. Throughout treatment there always be little things that niggle you or questions that need answering and that is where this board comes in. It's a great community of people from all around the world sharing a similar goal and always willing to offer advice and friendship when most needed.

[Tlal23]

Thanks Matilda and Neil.

[chichi]

Congrats! They look great

It definitely gets easier. They'll eventually become part of your everyday life. In fact, just last night, I was doing my nightly floss and actually forgot I had braces... the wire blocked the floss and there was half a second when I thought, "what the heck is that?!" I may have been a little tired but sometimes it really is easy to forget I'm wearing them.

[Tlal23]

Lol chichi good to know you get use to them.
I've been following you story and loved seeing your progress.

[chichi]

Lol chichi good to know you get use to them.
I've been following you story and loved seeing your progress.

Thanks for following my story

Unfortunately, I'm bored with my braces right now I have a few things that aren't moving fast enough for my liking lol

[Tlal23]

Ok so tomorrow will be one week since being braced.
I'm slowly getting a bit more use to them.

I'm still using wax at night, although last night I ran out and now have some cute oh my cheek
My teeth have started to become quite sensitive when chewy now.

I haven't ventured out much to eat but downloaded the mirror app for just incase.
My waterpik is awesome, not sure how people survived braces without them, it's amazing what it gets out.

[SunshineRay]

They have a mirror app? It does get better btw!

[Tlal23]

Hey sunshineray,
Yep they have a mirror app

I'm not sure if I'm seeing things or if there has been slight change all ready or it's just the lighting/angle.
How early did you notice change?

[Tlal23]