Crossbite, openbite, and overjet, oh my!

[juliecee]

Hi all,

I will be updating my progress here. I went on several consultations before picking the perfect orthodontist for me, and I'm excited (and nervous) to start my treatment next Monday! I have a crossbite (my upper arch is narrower than my bottom arch), as well as an openbite and overjet. I was presented with lots of different treatment options by all the orthodontists I saw, including surgery, extractions, metal braces, and Invisalign. Ultimately, I chose a plan that is braces-only. I believe I'll be using the Insignia custom braces system, which is supposed to be more precise than traditional metal braces. They say that the precision of the archwires reduces the total treatment time, so I should only be in braces for 14-18 months. Let's hope they're right! I'll have six ceramic brackets on my upper teeth and the rest will be metal.

I've always been self-conscious about my smile, so I'm excited that, at 24, I'm finally fixing it!

[Wheeles498]

Hi. Sounds like we are on the same plan. I had my custom brackets put on March 6,2014. Along with some molar built ups. Which is the most annoying part if my process so far. I have an overbite with moderate crowding on top and bottom. I am hoping for 14-18months too. But will know more at my fist adjustment on May 29. When is your first adjustment?

[Anna5]

Good luck with your treatment!!!

[saramwms]

Good luck! I am excited to start my braces journey and it's fun to follow along with someone else

[juliecee]

Thanks for the support everyone! I went to the orthodontist this morning and....they're in! My mouth feels very big and awkwardly full of spit. The process went well. Insignia uses a series of "jigs" to place the brackets in precise locations. Two of my brackets didn't adhere properly, so they had to grind the glue off and start over. The smell of burnt glue...pretty gross! I now have 6 clear brackets on top and metal everywhere else. Insignia brackets hold the wires themselves, so I don't have any colored elastics holding the wires.

Overall, my mouth feels alright! I know that the pain is coming... but for now, I just feel a little pressure. There are some extra glue spots on the edges of my teeth that feel kind of annoying. Any chance I can brush that off?

I stocked up on soft foods this weekend! Luckily, I LOVE mashed potatoes!

[juliecee]

Wheels498: My first adjustment is June 10th! It sounds like we have very similar treatment plans!

[juliecee]

Oh gosh! I should have paid attention to EVERYONE who said "the first couple days hurt" and "don't try to chew anything." I tried to eat some ice cream last night, but it had tiny chocolate chips in it...NOPE!

My mouth hurt so bad this morning that it woke me up, but luckily, a couple Tylenol and some water fixed me up. I'm inspired by all of your stories that it won't hurt forever! Every time I look in the mirror, I expect to see a massive change! Ha...gotta have patience.

[SpottedPickle]

I wish you luck and it all turns out great, and I hope the pain subsides! I am not looking forward to that, I am a wussy with mouth pain :/

[Wheeles498]

A couple of my brackets didn't stick either. I'm not sure if the smell of burned glue was worse or the taste of the etching stuff. I was not prepared for that taste. I thought I was the only impatient one. I check every day and finally after almost 6 weeks I see a change with at least one tooth. Patience has never been a virtue of mine. Even with the change I see I'm anxious to see more. Although the loose teeth are freaking me out a little. I know it's normal but I still don't like that wiggly feeling.

[juliecee]

Ugh, that taste WAS bad! Luckily it was over quickly! I am so ready to be able to eat solid food again. My teeth are still too sensitive to bite anything on day 3. And I'm not loving the painfulness of brushing my teeth, either. But it will all be worth it in the end!

[Anna5]

Hello!

It seems that we are in the same boat with our crossbite, open bite and overjet.... You have seen my story, so there is definitely improvement possible! Also without surgery (I was also recommended surgery like you also were in a consultation?).
May I ask why you have the open bite and crossbite? (I was a thumbsucker and that caused all my teeth problems).
If you don't mind, I would love to see a picture of your teeth and then progress pictures in the coming months, that is always so exciting!
I wish you very good luck with your treatment!