Forever afraid of the dentist; now getting braces

[methods]

Hello,

First, thanks for everyone posting on this board as its given me additional courage to go through with getting braces. I have never been fond of the DDS, and I believe my teeth are more sensitive than most (I'm uncomfortable during basic cleanings, and didn't clean for 5+ years as an adult). I found BraceFace2010's story here, and it has given me the confidence that my teeth can be straightened.
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... ceFace2o1o

I'm on the older side (40s) and had gone to the DDS a few times to investigate getting braces. First, I needed what was called a frenectomy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frenectomy
and this was a painful experience. I needed 2 shots, this first didn't cut the pain, with a huge needle from the DDS. I didn't go back to a DDS for years. I then got the courage up again and went to a new DDS. They took X-rays and looked at my mouth and said that he would need to take a tooth out and place a 'post' in my mouth. Lo and behold, I didn't go back here either. Another 5 or so years went by and I went to a new DDS. They took some more X-Rays and the DDS said that they would remove a tooth or two to make room.

Now, I'm not an expert, but I looked at my mouth and it seemed like if they took a tooth out it would be a very large space, and how would that space get filled!? I've learned that this is a common action for the DDS and can make the process easier, but it wasn't for me.

During this time Invisalign came out and I was stoked that they would work for me. As usual, the advertisement didn't live up to the expectations, as they were for very limited cases, where the teeth didn't need to be moved a lot.

I took one more shot. My current DDS did the same X-rays (there are some new fancy 360 degree pictures) as well as taking these molds of my mouth. After the molds came back, we met and he said that his technique is to shave a small amount of each of the teeth to make the room necessary. I also may have a wisdom tooth taken out (not looking forward to that!). He also wants to do Stainless Steel (instead of ceramic) on the tops and bottoms because the stainless gives more control to the process. Is this the case, as I see many folks get stainless on one set and ceramic on another?

I have not started the procedure yet, but I'm confident that I will being this 24 month journey.

Take Care.

[ukcruiser2]

I am also terrified by the dentist although I go every month for my check ups. I am 58 and contemplating a top brace. The dentist said I had the option of shaving some off 5 or so teeth or one extraction. After the replies I've had on this forum if I go ahead with the brace I am going for the extraction.
I am still not 100% sure to get the brace but the support on here is giving me the confidence to just do it.

[oldfart]

Make sure your dentist is also a licensed and certified orthodontic specialist, not just a dentist who practices orthodontics. That recently has been a common theme.

[NeilH]

Hi, I think the secret is to find the right dentist who understands your fears and works with you, one step at a time. And also to find an orthodontist who also works the same way and is willing to involve you in the process one step at a time. I think we all are a little apprehensive from time to time, I've never had an injection and the thought terrifies me, so its ok to be wary of things dental related. Many of the stories on the site are full of hugely positive experiences and I'm sure you will have the same too. Good luck.