Starting New Year with Braces

[missivy]

Hi everyone. I am 29 and I am seriously considering getting braces in January. I have had 2 consultations and having a hard time deciding between orthodontists. One is an older orthodontist and very nice small antique like office, the other is younger and has a lot of kid/teenager clients and huge/tech savy office. Both have good reviews I am just confused. The older orthodontist requires a certain amount down and then monthly payments for 24 months but if you have your braces off before then you do not have to continue to pay. The other has fixed costs despite when you have your braces off.

Both said exactly the same thing, I am class I with minor bottom crowding and a slight gap. Some teeth will need to move down on the top. Both estimate 15-18 months (with 15 being more likely). Who do you think I should choose?

In addition, is it worth it to spend an extra $300-400 for ceramic on the top front six teeth?

[SmilinginCO]

That's a tough one. They both sound good. It might be nice to have more adult patients around but I am starting to get used to sitting occasionally next to kids! On the ceramics, I have them on my top teeth and I think they are worth every cent!!

Good luck on your journey! I'm only about 2 months and I am so happy I finally did this!

[Tobilei]

I stuck with the orthodontist we chose for my daughter without a 2nd opinion, but with her, we saw another one first. I found my current one very friendly, he explains what he's doing and why and is happy to accommodate you as much as he possibly can with emergency fix ups etc. I think you should choose whoever you felt most comfortable with.

As for the clears, I have them top and bottom and definitely think they're worth the extra. A lot of people don't notice I have them unless I'm up quite close and grinning at them.

[missivy]

Thanks everyone. Do you have a problem with the clear brackets or bands staining? Were you told that they are weaker than the metal brackets?

I think I am leaning toward the older dentist because he seems willing to work with me. Although the other office is very nice and he does good work I felt rushed.

[SmilinginCO]

Thanks everyone. Do you have a problem with the clear brackets or bands staining? Were you told that they are weaker than the metal brackets?

I think I am leaning toward the older dentist because he seems willing to work with me. Although the other office is very nice and he does good work I felt rushed.

I haven't had any issues with staining so far. I have heard that curry and red wine will stain so I have avoided those until right before I go for an appointment!!

[Tobilei]

Nope. No staining at all. I only have ligs on the bottom, the top are self ligating. The very back one's between my molars where I chew are a little yellow tinged but no-one sees them. The rest of them are the same colour they went on as (I chose smoke which look clear but are actually silvery-gray. Supposedly they don't stain as easily as clear one's do even though they look the same). I drink coffee 2 or 3 times a day and have eaten spaghetti sauce and tomato pasta sauces without a problem. Even if I don't race in and brush immediately afterwards. I have heard curry is the worst though and will stain almost anything.

My ortho didn't say that the clears are any weaker. He said they do the same job. I've eaten some harder kinds of foods and haven't broken anything yet. The only thing he did check was whether my top teeth would hit the bottom clear brackets when I closed my mouth. They didn't so I was allowed clear on both. If that had been a problem though I would have had to have metal bottoms.

[Ciara]

Congratulations on starting your journey! I have ceramic brackets on my upper jaw with wire ligatures rather than elastic because I love curry and curry would stain elastics. They take longer to put on and if the ortho isn't careful, he/she can leave a little wire poking out but I haven't had any problems and I've eaten loads and loads of curry!

My ortho treats mainly children. It is very unusual to have braces as an adult in Japan. When I was making my appointment to have my first adjustment, they were concerned that I would be there at the same time as all the kids. It didn't bother me since the clinic is also a regular dental clinic but I really wish there were more adult patients with braces. If I were in your situation, I'd probably lean towards the ortho with the most adult patients.

Ciara

[missivy]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I have told a few people that I will likely get braces in January and all responses have been so negative. I do not have a terrible smile but it is far from perfect. I am self conscious about it and have been since I was younger. I want braces to improve my smile before I have a gingivectomy so that my smile is less "gummy". Now I will just keep my plans to myself. Glad this board is here.

[hai]

I just turned 29 myself (feels weird seeing me write that) and had my braces put on six weeks ago. Everyone told me I didn't need them and they didn't notice my teeth but it was a voice in mind that hasn't gone away since I was 14. So I knew I had to do it.

15 months is nothing.... You can do it and you will never look back in two, five, tens years time.

Good luck!!!

[missivy]

[quote="hai"]I just turned 29 myself (feels weird seeing me write that) and had my braces put on six weeks ago. Everyone told me I didn't need them and they didn't notice my teeth but it was a voice in mind that hasn't gone away since I was 14. So I knew I had to do it.

15 months is nothing.... You can do it and you will never look back in two, five, tens years time.

Good luck!!![/quote]


Thank you Hai! I know I will be happy in the long run!

[TMJJill]

I wouldn't worry about those negative responses. This is something you are doing for yourself and you should be proud of that.

I'd say choose the orthodontist you feel most confident with. You want to have full trust in the dentist doing the work.

Everyone has differing opinions on the clear vs. metal options. I really think it depends on your personal needs. I have clears on my upper front 10 and haven't had any staining or problems. I have self-ligating braces though so I don't have to worry about staining logs. Pricing wasn't much of a factor for me regarding the clear vs. metal so that is why I opted to go with the upper clears.

You are doing a good thing for yourself. When you get your braces, stay confident in yourself. People will notice that much more than they do the braces. A lot of people I encounter, including some who know me well, never even realize I have them on. When you start paying attention, there are actually quite a few adults out there in orthodontic treatment.

Good luck!!!