Today was the day! I'm so happy I found this forum before today because the stories and support from other members has really helped ease my nerves.

My story.. I'm 25 from Australia and have a gap in my front teeth and an open bite. The gap has bothered me since I became conscious of it (read - teased about it!). I probably became obsessed with the gap and see it everywhere (and only with negative connotations!) eg. when they are portraying a hillbilly on tv, they have a gap! Cartoon characters who are a bit dopey (sponge bob, some character from cars)? A gap! My obsession with the gap and how people perceive gappy people like me has caused me undue stress in social situations for some time now. I don't like opening my mouth because I fear people will instantly judge. I know this all sounds like I have very little faith in humanity but that's not the case. I realize that that I have inflated the importance of the gap and my behaviours and cues probably cause more judgements than my smile. Regardless, I've known for some time now that the gap had to go. The open bite is something that, while I noticed when eating (I can't bite through a sandwich properly etc) I never knew it was necessarily defective until I was told that it can be fixed.

I went to four different ortho's and was told a bunch of different things. I had my heart set on Invisalign but this was not to be for me. I went with the one I got the best feel from and booked in for porcelain braces on top and bottom.

I had my appointment to get them on today and while everything went fine there were a couple of things that were unexpected. The staff did all the prep only to tell me that the Dr who was doing the braces wasn't the Dr I had my consult with. I was a little cranky about it as I had all the gear in my mouth and then in comes this Dr I have never met to apply the braces. Ahhh! Did I mention I don't like surprises?

When I got home I checked out my mouth and was a little shocked to see metal brackets in there. You can't see them, they are only on the very back teeth (top and bottom) and the metal itself doesn't bother me.. I am just a bit confused as to the charges as I paid for two arches of porcelain... Is this normal? Do they always use metal on the back even when you pay for porcelain/ceramic etc?

I'm also not even sure what kind of brackets I have.. When I asked last time which type I will get they told me Ormco Inspire Ice. I don't think that I have these though because while the ones I have are clear, they do not appear to have the little rubber bands (ligs?) that I was so worried about having to keep stain free. So now I'm not sure if they are the self ligating ones or what! I also have what they said was a powerchain but it looks very small, on my front two gappy teeth. The powerchain is clear so should I be concerned about staining this? I'm a big tea drinker.

Anyhow. I had a bit of discomfort earlier but nothing too bad. Everyone seems to say day two onwards can be a little painful but I'm ready to go (she says now, pain free..)! I'm hoping for progress like Bec There

I'll be updating with pics when I can work out how to post

Ahhh the day has finally come! I can feel your excitement! Congrats!

I could pretty much relate to everything you wrote in your first paragraph. Everything except the open bite, was true for me also.

It was very unprofessional of them to change the orthodontist on you in the heat of the moment, so to speak, without any forewarning. I hope at least the new guy was nice, or helpful, or both!

As for the braces, I'm pretty sure it's standard to have metal brackets on all the teeth that aren't the 'Social 6'. The teeth that show. So how do they look? I'm intrigued to see what the clear ones look like.

As for the chain, I would be mindful of staining, but there is no need to be anal about it. I was super worried about staining mine, but it was a waste of time. I have had my powerchain for just under two months and it has discoloured slightly but not enough for anyone but me to notice. Things that stain the most were satay kebabs (they turned 3 of my back ligs funny coloured, on the side that I chewed it) and curry based dishes. Bolognaise isn't as bad as I thought but chew at the back. Red wine, I'd steer clear of that. But tea, should be fine. Do you live near the ortho? Maybe you can ask him if you have major staining, if you can go in and get it changed.

It does suck when you have a million questions and you get there and forget them all, or don't have time to ask them. I'm hoping I get time to actually talk to my ortho properly next time.

Glad you're not in too much discomfort with your braces. Your front teeth will be tender soon for a while, and you wont be able to eat anything you have to bite into. But it will be worth it, that powerchain will close that space up mighty quickly!

P.s. For photos, photobucket is pretty easy to navigate. Just remember when you're going to post the picture, click on share (if you hover over the photo, this should pop up.) Then click on the bit that says 'get link code'. Then I used the one right at the bottom that says 'clickable thumbnail'. You just copy and paste this code into your post. Just preview your post before posting to make sure the picture isn't giant, if it is, it may need resizing.

I have taken pictures but I am yet to do the uploading and all, I'm sorry. I must admit, I feel kind of lousy right now I am excited about my teeth moving (that's what all this pain is about, right?!) but there seems to be a constant ache in my mouth since late yesterday. I also have some sore cheeks. Ok, enough feeling sorry for myself for now! On a brighter note, I am pleased with how the braces look and I'm not too self conscious about them when out.

The lousy feeling passes, as does the pain, trust me! You'll be feeling better soon! Plus it means your teeth are moving!!!!

Hey Just checked out your story again! How is it all going? I would love to see pics

I must thankyou also, for you were the one that told me I could get $$$ back for my braces! Without you I would never have known! I ended up saving $1000 You're the best!

The gap will close up quickly. It only took about 8 weeks for mine to close. I was in so much pain, but it is totally worth it! Check out my thread when you get a chance, and I really look forward to seeing your update pictures!

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Getting rid of my diastema, finally

Porge

I could totally relate to you. I am so glad my diastema has gone

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My braces story: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=42457

Impressions-08/06/12
Big Day-22/06/12
Started using Bite Plate-14/07/12
Estimated treatment-8 months (upper ceramics)
Debond date-04/03/13