Getting Braces At The Age of 54!

[Dee17]

I am very happy to finally be able to report that I am seeing some movement. Tonight as I was looking in the mirror I noticed that there is a small space between my upper right incisor and the canine. Also, there is a very small space between my two lower front incisors. Yay! Finally! Two more weeks until I go back to see my orthodontist.

[Dee17]

Went in to the orthodontist today for my second adjustment. For someone like me who was deathly afraid of getting a powerchain, I was in for a big surprise because I left the office with TWO -- one on the top and one on the bottom! So far, I must say it hasn't been too awfully bad. I'm feeling a lot of pressure but no real pain to speak of. I asked him if I couldn't stand it if I could come back in and have them remove it and he said, "Yes." So, that made me feel a bit better.
They also changed my wire up to a .18 round wire. Still no brackets on any of the molars and no elastics so I feel like I've kind of dodged a bullet. I go back for another adjustment on April 6th.
They took two pictures while I was there and when I receive them by email, I'll post.

[junglejulie]

I am happy that you have finally seen some movement!

[Tobilei]

Yay for seeing movement! I'm sure now you've got the powerchains on you'll see a whole heap more! Hope they don't give you any trouble

[Dee17]

Hi Tobelei,
Teeth are a little sore tonight but so far not too bad. Have taken some Tylenol. I just hope I'm going to be able to sleep. If things stay the way they are right now, though, that shouldn't be a problem.

[Tobilei]

Yay! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

[Dee17]

Thanks! Me, too -- for you!

[Dee17]

Woke up this morning with some very sore teeth on the bottom. Ouch. Only had yogurt for breakfast. Didn't think I'd actually be able to chew anything.

[Veviticus]

I will be getting braces at the age of 50, but so what?
I'm glad that I was able to take care of my teeth for so long, before I started having problems. I have teeth that are shifting and my lowers are shifting out against my uppers which is also making them shift forward too. I've already had my consult, so I guess I will be going back in March for xrays, molds, and whatever else they do. I don't know if any teeth have to be pulled, but I guess I will find out soon enough. I don't like surprises, so I'm thankful that this site was created to gleam as much information as I can. Thanks.

May everyone have a great day.

[Dee17]

Well, best of luck to you. I'm sure everything will go smoothly. It sounds like you don't have much anxiety about the process and that's really good news. In that case, you probably won't have any problems. Keep us posted.
Being "over the hill" hasn't been all that terrible with having braces. I just find it a bit embarrassing at times because I have all this grey hair and a mouth like a teenager.

[Ellabelle]

Dee, I'm so happy that you finally got powerchains!!! I know you were dreading it but you will love the movement you see! Post the pics when you get them!

[Dee17]

Hi Ellabelle,
Thanks for your message. I'm glad you're happy for me. That makes one of us! I woke up this morning incredibly sore and it hasn't been much better since then. But, that's okay. I know this is part of the process and if I want that horrid space to close, I have to have these dasdardly things in my mouth. Hopefully, it won't be for too terribly long.
How are you and Albert doing?

[oldfart]

I got you beat on the grey hair though. Although most of mine is gone

You need to take the second plunge. Go for some nice color on that power chain next time.

Maybe a lavendar or a light purple would look good on you.

(have had braces one day, and I am already turning into a fashion consultant.)

Our next forum poll. What color should Dee do?

of

[Dee17]

Hi OF,
I have Damon self-ligating braces. One of the reason I chose them was because I did not want to have to deal with the hassle of coloured ligs. I don't think that I would ever want to have a coloured powerchain, though. I really don't want anything that will call more attention to the fact that I am wearing braces. I still feel very embarrassed about having them. Even after all this time (4 months)!! I think that will probably go away when I get them taken off

[TMJJill]

I have clear Damons on top. My ortho office automatically puts on clear powerchains. Over Christmas, I asked for navy. I thought it was a bit more fun. Not one person I know even noticed. In fact, when I pointed it out they still had to look. I think we worry about things so much more than anyone else does.

The colors can be fun when you are ready for them. In the meantime, we can get through the soreness of having them because they really do make a difference.

TMJJill