Hi everyone!

[Domino]

Hi everyone! Great to meet you all. My name's Dom, I'm 23, from the UK, and I've decided to get braces.

Since becoming an adult (or so), I've always regretted not getting braces. I don't know why I didn't—I guess as a child/teenager I didn't really think I had a problem with my teeth. I don't even remember being offered or recommended to have them when I was younger, but apparently my mum says I did! So, I haven't been happy with them for the past 5+ years. I'll admit, my teeth aren't too bad, but I've become conscious of them enough that it's affecting my self-confidence, especially when it comes to having photos taken; I rarely if ever smile with my teeth showing, and it sucks because I can rarely take a decent photo!

Anyway, I'll keep this short as I want to create a story post in the Our Braces Stories forum with all the details, and keep that up to date with my progress and add what I've done so far on my journey!

I look forward to getting to know you all, and hope my time here is a good one!

Dom

[nessness]

Hi Dom and welcome!

I was exactly the same age as you when I started my journey, and I've never looked back. Hands down one of the best decisions I made getting braces. My teeth were quite bad however, and finally coming to the last hurdle of my treatment.
I also became very conscious of my teeth, didn't smile in photos or anything so I know how you feel.

Would love to hear how it goes so keep us updated, and you're from the UK too! Where bouts? I'm a Londoner meself

[Domino]

Hi nessness! Thanks for replying

Yeah, I've been thinking the sooner I do it the better. I wish I had started when I was just starting University, as that would have been the perfect time within those 3 years, so I'm doing it now rather than later

Funny thing, after I just wrote my first post and saying my teeth aren't too bad... I just took photos and, wow, that so doesn't look the case, haha. My teeth look terrible in the photos. I'll upload a few (if I can bare it! lol) to my story post when I make it. They're interesting to look at, actually, as it makes me realise how bad they really are, and how much needs doing. Even my orthodontist told me so much more that's wrong about them that I didn't realise! They could do with some whitening afterwards, too

I also realised how much I missed that I could have said in my post. I guess I can cover it all in my story one

I'm from Gloucestershire, so a fair way from London

I'll definitely keep you all updated on here. I'm going out in a few minutes, so I'll try and make my story post when I get back. But basically: on the 16th (just two days away, omg), I'm starting my extractions (2/4). I guess I left it quite late to join here!

Quick summary I'll write in detailed about later: 4 extractions (all premolars). Ceramic brackets on top, metal on bottom. About 2 years.

[kellyb]

Hi Dom,

good luck with your braces! i just got mine as well and i am 32 years old! i am officially one week in braces (lower arch only at the moment. upper arch to be fitted in a couple of months). i have ceramics on bottom and will get the same on top.

[Domino]

Hi kellyb!

Cool! I had the option for ceramics on both, but apparently my orthodontist mentioned something about them possibly rubbing together and causing issues, which isn't the case with 1 ceramic and 1 metal. I don't really understand it, but as the lower ones aren't as visible, and it saves £200, I went ceramic on top only.

I suppose I could always change that though by the time I get them put on (will be at least 2-3 weeks yet), but considering I need 4 teeth out, which will end up costing around £200 anyway, I thought it best to even out the cost

[kellyb]

ohok. if i had to get metal on bottom i would have anyway but luckily my ortho uses ceramic on both top and bottom. btw, i am in the uk (london) as well.

my braces is costing me me a whopping £3700!

[Domino]

We were originally going to have ceramic on top and bottom, but because of something to do with my bite it may possibly cause complications, so my orthodontist advised getting metal on bottom. I'm sure it's probably different for others

Yikes, braces are expensive, aren't they; another reason I wish I had had them when I was a teenger, as it would have been free! Mine come to £2795, which I guess isn't so bad compared to your £3,700! Ouchie.

I have pictures ready, but I can't yet post them as I still have a red name. Must get posts so I can start my story

[braceface74]

well done on taking the leap now as it's probably something would always bother you but the older you get the less you think it's worth it.. wish i had done it in my 20s.

I am having damon clears on top and metal on bottom.. my ortho said she recommended that as there was more risk of bottom clears breaking off due to my bit. I guess metal are that bit stronger.

Looking forward to seeing your pics

[Domino]

Thanks, braceface

Ah, I think that's probably the reason my ortho recommended clear top and metal bottom to me too! Thanks I know he said something about my bite possibly causing problems with the ceramic braces on the bottoms, so I guess that's why.