Hello

I'm 25, located in Sydney Australia. I have spacing in my upper front teeth and an openbite. I've hated my teeth for a long time and it's finally time to do something about it!

I had hoped to get Invisalign (like others on here, it seems!) but after four orthodontic consultations I have come to the conclusion that while I could get it, I probably shouldn't! Two ortho's told me it would correct my spacing and not my bite, one told me it would correct everything including my bite and another (also an invisalign provider) said "do not get Invisalign". Up to this point I had it in my head that I would get Invisalign or nothing but something clicked with me today and I think I will go with the ceramic braces option.

I have only just found this message board and it appears there is a wealth of information here so I look forward to learning more and having others to share this (exciting/daunting?) journey with.

Hi Porge
Invisalign doesn't suit everyone, my ortho said he didn't like using it unless his patients insisted because it doesn't give him as much control over the teeth as traditional braces do. There are some great options on traditional braces now, if you have more money you can even have ones put on the back of your teeth instead of the front and these are virtually invisible. I get mine in 3 days and have gone for clear ones which are not really that noticeable. My advice to you is to go for it. I nearly had braces when I was 23 but chickened out, I'm now 34 and keep thinking I would have had straight teeth for the past 10 years if I'd gone through with it at the time. Good luck with making your decision.

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That's exciting for you - I hope all goes well with your braces! I also find myself thinking - if only I got them earlier..! I would absolutely love the lingual braces but I was quoted $10,000 for them and that was with lingual on top and metal on the bottom

Hi Porge! I'm an Aussie too so thought I'd say hi! I got my braces when I was 25 too. I'm now 26 and got them off 2 weeks ago. All I can say is go for it! It's so worth it! And having braces is no biggie, after a couple of months you just don't notice them anymore! Barely anyone noticed that I got them off, so they obviously werent a big deal to other people!

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Thanks for your words of encouragement Kristy I have just booked myself in for the "porcelain" ones (the same as ceramic..?) in early May. I am so impatient though - I just want to start it now and be on the countdown already but May is the earliest they can do it. Arrgh!

Great news Porge
I know what you mean about being impatient, I found this site when I still had 3 weeks to go and seeing everyone else already on their braces journey made me desperate to get mine on. I got a ticker countdown added to my messages so every time I post I can see its getting less and less time till brace day haha. In the meantime make the most of eating and drinking everything you won't be able to once you have braces (I think I might shed a tear when I have my last glass of red wine on Wednesday night lol).

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GO FOR IT! If I had gone for it at 25, I'd be done now at 27. You will adjust and be so happy that you are actually doing something to make a change.

I hope all went well for you Bracedforbraces, how are you going with them?

Thanks smilingoutloud22 - I'm very excited since making the date!

Hi Porge, they are ok, a bit sore today but not half as bad as I thought it would be. The worst part for me is eating. I tried macaroni and cheese and even cutting it into teeny tiny pieces still hurt, I had soup but that gets boring after a couple of meals, but tonight I feasted on mashed potato and chicken gravy yum yum. However, I bet that will get boring quickly too haha. I'm now treating myself to a vodka and lemonade through a straw, I am SUCH a classy chick
Have you got a date for braces fitting yet?

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try slightly tougher food like steak. cut them into small bits and chew with molars in the back. your molars probably not really hurting. At least for me, the teeth that hurt are the incisors and canines.

I'm glad they aren't as bad as you thought Bracedforbraces I hope that you have been able to expand on your meals and eat normally again!

I hope that this is normal... With just over three weeks until my brace fitting appointment I find myself with cold feet. I have concerns about whether I'm doing the right thing, whether I will be able to take the pain, the change in my appearance with the braces on and a big part of me is freaking out about the orthodontist themselves! I have trouble choosing which brand of tomato sauce to buy never mind selecting someone to place full trust in with my teeth and a hefty chunk of my bank balance. Ahhhh

Totally normal. It actually took me more than a year after my first consultation to commit to a solid date and get it done. Had cold feet right up until i was in the chair. But I couldn't stand the thought of the pain from my crowded teeth or the embarrassment while talking to people or taking pics one more day. If you trust what your ortho has said and feel comfortable so far, just go for it and stay positive. We're here for you!

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it's fine to feel like this. i too had cold feet leading up to my brace day. i almost called the ortho office and cancelled even on the day of my appointment. despite this, i decided to go through with it and i must say i felt like a very heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulder the day i walked out of the ortho office with my braces on. now, just over 3 months in, i have no regrets.

regarding any change in appearance, people will notice your braces and it might be the topic of discussion for about 10 mins but after that, no one really cares.

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Thank you both! It's nice to know I'm not alone in this and my feelings are somewhat normal. I'll stick it out and listen to you smart people who already have their braces

Hey Porge! I found your thread! Was wondering how long you had left til you get your braces on!?

And I'll tell you, because I know it will make you happy, my front teeth have closed up!! Didn't take that long at all really! I posted photos for ya

Goodluck for your braceday, I know it must be very soon!