As a child I developed a severe dental phobia-I would feel physically at the thought of a dentist, anything dental related and getting me through the door was impossible and should not have even been considered. I think most of it stemmed from the thought of braces-I was horrified and frightened to see anyone with all the metal in their mouth. I didn@t know what it was for but just felt it looked scary.
When I went for a routine check up about the age of 10 I was told that the dentist was going to refer me to an ortho for braces-I flipped and said that there was no way that I would have them.
I then became even more wary about going to the dentist, in fear they would keep pushing for me to go and get the braces. At the age of 14 we moved out of the area and then when the time came to register with another dentist I refused. All I got told by my Mum was that I would have teeth like my dad if I didn't go (He is a severe phobic with few teeth now tbh). 7 years passed and I knew I should go and have a check up and was sure I would need treatment-After lots of feeling unwell and facing my fear I was ok and 3 fissure sealants was all I needed.
Fast forward 3 years after getting over this phobia. My son had started teething and I had an incling that he would end up with my horrible teeth-I was right. He too has a large gap between his top front teeth. I felt that I am pretty certain that people will eventually wonder if he will get braces, as his Daddy did (mainly due to Cleft Lip) and his Mummy didn't. I didn't want to feel hypocritical by forcing him to have braces as a teen if I didn't and then started looking into getting braces-Words I never ever thought I would say, especially at the age of 24.
I looked secretly on the internet on forums and at pictures thinking can I even consider doing this and I even felt too embarassed to talk to my husband about it. He would see my sat with looking at stuff on the internet with me refusing to talk to him about what I was looking at. Eventually I caved in and told him. I honestly can't remember what he said but I think he just wanted me to feel happy about myself and not feel so awful about my appearance-I don't talk to people in the street, I walk with my head down and I am just too shy or embarassed to be introduced to anyone especially as my husband's wife, esp as he has such a nice smile!
I was originally going to get Clearstep and after lots of to-ing and fro-ing and impressions when the treatment plan came back at 16 months and hearing that it wouldn't fully rectify my problems I decided it wasn't for me. At this point I had already contacted somebody else reference clear fixed.
I got back to the dentist that I had spoken to reference clear fixed and he told me that he would be able to carry out treatment in this way in 8-9 months
He is a dentist but has been qualified and carrying out orthodontic work for around 30 years, including orthodontic work in the local hospital several years ago and has several patients that are receiving fixed orthodontic treatment.2 weeks ago I went in for my impressions and returned today (22/6/12) and had my clear fixed braces fitted with white archwire (upper arch). The braces are to close my diastema and he also helps to reduce my overbite by using a bite plate as part of the treatment too (I will include photos shortly-Don't feel ready just yet).
Braces fitted and my teeth feel tight with lots of pressure. The brackets just feel huge (don't look it though!). Other than tightness I have't felt any real pain as such *touch wood* just chaffing on the inside of my mouth-my cheeks are really quite tender now! I currently have a 0.12 white archwire fitted to my ceramics and have my first adjustment in 4 weeks. I can't believe how discreet they look and fortunately my speech hasn't been affected by them.
I just wonder how long it will take me to adjust to eating-I feel so far with whatever I eat, even with food placed in my mouth in small pieces it get stuck in the brackets at the back! Will food become a necessity rather than something to enjoy?
I aim to try and keep this thread updated as and when things occur, or just after each adjustment appointment.
, white wire (until my last one) and approx 9 month sentence.
I have decided to do it, especially as I know that this would be something that many others on here were probably embarrased about doing too-
and I agree, you have beautiful teeth. Your smile is going to be amazing once those babies come off. Here's wishing you the best of luck in your journey to a picture perfect smile 
