My history: 52 yrs young and finally got the braces I have needed for years! Should have had them as a teenager...why didn't I??
Diagnosed with TMJ about 5 years ago, was referred to a TMJ specialist by my family dentist. This required wearing a MORA splint 24/7 for about 6 months or so.
I continued to wear the splint at nighttime and was told I would have to wear it forever unless I got my misaligned bite and crooked little jaw corrected.
Three years later I finally decided to begin this part 2 of my treatment for my TMJ and to straighten up my crooked teeth.
My treatment plan will be aproximately 30-34 months. The plan is:
ceramic (Invu) braces on the front 6 teeth, and metal braces on the lower teeth, molar bands, 6 extractions, lower jaw surgery 18 months from start, and then finishing up with the final 6 months of braces.
My smooth extractions story: I was given nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and wore my Ipod while the oral surgeon removed 2 upper (1st) bicuspids, and 2 lower (2nd) bicuspids.
I felt the numbing shots but it was bearable thanks to deep inhaling of that great drug. I really liked it.
I remember him extracting the 1st tooth but have no memory of the other 3 being removed. None! When he tapped my shoulder to say he was done I didn't believe it! How could that be? I didn't feel a thing!
It only took 30 minutes and that includes taking my blood pressure, waiting for numbing shots to take effect. I did take pain pills for a few days but by the 3rd day was painfree.
On the 3rd day after my extractions I got my molar bands put on, talk about a glutton for punishment! But I want to get this treatment going....my molar bands are not pleasant! I am going through OrthoSil like crazy. What are all these little painful hooks, etc...for anyway?!! I know down the road they will pull things in place but they are poking my tongue and inside of my cheeks.
I have 2 more extractions to go, both are lower wisdom teeth. One is above the gum line and one is impacted under the gum line. The wisdom teeth will have to wait until 2010 for more dental insurance coverage! I have a $2,000 year cap and have well exceded that amount and my flexible spending account for 2009 is dry.
I hope I don't chicken out on the lower jaw surgery because it is all part of the treatment. I am concerned about the cost, extremely concerned. Plus my oral surgeon that I really liked will no longer be in my "network" as of 10/1/09. I found this on Monday and cried, yeah I cried. It took a lot of research and decision making to choose him and now my insurance decided to change networks. Ok, I am getting off track here but am really po'd about it.
I will post pictures next.
Just the plain ol' teeth minus the braces not the poor bite, etc... Oh, and I miss having lips that I could actually put lipstick on. Now it is vaseline day and night.
This shows my crooked jaw. The oral surgeon said he would have to turn it and move forward. Like someone slugged me good! I think it was forceps used during delivery. 
I am always trying to put blame on someone! Braced with clear ligs that were yellow stained within 1 week. 
I couldn't wait to get them changed!
Got the wire ligs on uppers and this is after 4 extractions & molar bands. 
