It's now or never - braces at 37

Bezza · **Posted:** Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:15 am

My long journey into braces started at 11 when I went to see an ortho at the suggestion of my dentist. He reported back to my dentist that I seemed "relunctant" and had decided not to proceed with treatment. I was a quiet kid so it's not surprising he thought I was relunctant. What kid wants braces really?

Anyway, fast forward about 15 years and I bumped into my old dentist who had recently become my sister's landlord. After a quick chat we went our separate ways. My sister later told me he said he'd seen me and noticed I hadn't had my teeth straightened yet and did I know I would lose all my teeth by the time I was 40? It came as news to me, no-one had mentioned my teeth for years but as I was only in my early twenties it didn't seem like a big deal. I was busy with work and didn't give it much thought although it was always at the back of my mind.

Fast forward another 10 years and I started to notice my teeth were moving further and further out of alignment. I could feel the pressure on my two top front teeth, my jaw clicked quite a lot and even dislocated a few times and some teeth were beginning to twist and cause problems to the soft tissues in my mouth.

The "deadline" of 40 was becoming more and more relevant and I started to feel I was running out of time. So I made an appointment with an ortho to see what could be done.

We had a chat about the problems I felt I had and he looked over my teeth, took x-rays, impressions and photos.

So, the conclusion is I have a Class II, division II malocclusion and a very strong bottom lip. My lip has pulled my top teeth inwards which in turn has also pulled my bottom teeth inwards too. My bottom teeth are rubbing the gum on the inside of my top teeth and my top teeth are rubbing the gum on the outside of my bottom teeth. This will eventually cause gingival recession and I may well lose some teeth by the time I am 40. So, my old dentist was probably right.

Seeing as I am now 37 and my treatment will take 18 - 21 months I have left this as long as I can without losing teeth so it's now or never.

My treatment so far:-

Upper ceramic braces witth 3 partial archwires 22 June 2012
1st Pre Molars extracted 9 July 2012
New complete archwire and power chains 13 July 2012

Coming up:-
New archwire 6 September 2012
Lower metal braces in about 3 months

So, that's me. I will post some pictures so you can see my progess so far.

Thanks for reading!

elseegee64 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:52 am

Congratulations on taking the plunge. Welcome to the boards!

belenov · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 4:42 am

hey there, i had a very similar story, with my top teeth collapsing inwards. the long term outlook was not good and i was awakened every night with jaw pains. i too was braced at 37. im hoping to have them off in a few months, later than i hoped but it was and is well worth it.

BraceFace2o1o · **Joined:** Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:00 pm **Posts:** 933

Congrats on starting you brace journey! I was meant to get a brace on the NHS as a teen, at first I wasn't keen at all but in the end never really got referred (long story). I'm in my late 20's now and glad I went ahead and did it, best decision ever!

I look forward to seeing your progress pics

Bezza · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 4:27 am

OK, I've finally figured out how to post the pictures.

Here goes....

Oh god, this is kind of scary!! I hate the left side view.

Bezza · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 4:52 am

Braces Day 1

Bezza · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 4:54 am

Week 1 - After my extractions

Bezza · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 4:59 am

Week 2 - complete archwire and power chains

That's it for today. It's quite weird posting these now as I am 4 weeks on from these photos and my teeth look significantly different to me!

I will post updated pictures when I next go to my ortho, 6 September.

jem · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 5:59 am

Hi Bezza,

Welcome to another UK adult starting out. Your clear brackets and white wire look very neat. I hope you see quick progress.

Good luck!

Jem

kellyb · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 6:49 am

welcome! your braces is so cute

i will be sure to follow your progress

NICURN85 · **Posted:** Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:24 pm

Congrats on starting your progress. Your braces are looking great. I see you have the power chains already from your extractions. I just had extractions done last week on my lower arch so I wonder when I go on the 14th of August for them to put my bottom wire if I will get power chains that day or not. Well, keep us updated and I will be following your progress.

Webbie · **Joined:** Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:54 am **Posts:** 42

Hi Bezza!
How is it going.. I'm 25 and have a similar case- Class 2 division 2 malocclusion. have seen your pictures. Comparatively my case is more severe with upper teeth pushed inside further and the ones on the sides covering it partially. Got braced in August. Will be following your progress.
All the best!

Mitch11 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:25 pm **Posts:** 47

Hi Bezza,
How're things going? Are you feeling any difference?
Good luck and keep us updated!

Angel269 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:54 pm

Welcome to the board Bezza :-1

Hope things are progressing nicely and that your braces aren't causing too much trouble or discomfort.

Look forward to reading more and seeing photos as things progress.

bustachaina · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:15 pm **Posts:** 9

I can't wait to see the results!

It's now or never - braces at 37

Who is online