b's braces story

[b]

Finally I get to post my braces story!
I am a 20 year old female and I work as front desk administrator. I have always been a little self-conscious about my teeth because my canines stick a little up and out. My plan was always just get Invisalign, because my teeth were never really that bad. One day I got a random flyer in the mail from an Orthodontist in my area that had Invisalign day. They take as many appointment as they can in one day, and draw a name for who gets their entire treatment for free! Luckily, I got the last appointment that day, I thought it was meant to be. I was going to get Invisalign! When the ortho looked at my teeth, he said he could definitely give me straight teeth, however, I have a really deep/over bite and Invisalign would make it worse. He said once I get older I will probably get really bad headaches, and I will always have pain in my jaw.
He gave me the other option of MARA appliance and braces for 12 months.
After thinking about it for a long time, I decided to go for it. If I'm going to do it, I might as well do it right.
So I got the spacers in August, and the MARA appliance (without elbows) shortly after. On November 20th I got full metal uppers and lowers.

So here are my pictures, I apologize for the poor quality in the first few, my camera doesn't do well in low light.
I will always be updating my progress and I'm really excited to watch my teeth move! So far no movement that I can see...

Right before braces:


Right after getting them on:


3 weeks after:

Upper arch and MARA:

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Thanks Ken!
I dont really notice any changes.. I guess its hard to tell because the lighting is so different in the two.
Oh well, soon enough

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Just when I think no movement is happening, I notice two teeth have some big gaps now. I know its supposed to get worse before it gets better.. but how long till it starts getting better?! I am so anxious! I will post pics as soon as I see some progress.

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I just found out today that I can no longer whistle. This is wierd because I wouldnt think the braces get in the way of this..
I keep forgetting everytime I try to whistle at my puppy...

[mikesmile]

Hi b

Congrats on getting your braces...they look great! You have nice looking teeth to start with, so they are going to look fantastic when you're done.
I'm right behind you in the journey. I'm hoping to be braced by late jan. or early feb. It will be my 2nd time. I also remember not being able to whistle w/ braces, so you're not alone I'm sure . Keep smiling...

[cmone]

Congrats on getting braced! I am so stoked about getting mine. I'm about to research myself to death on the right toothbrush, the right waterpik, etc, etc. My partner is sick of me being on this site but I told her you guys are gonna be my new family. I definitely noticed some movement in your teeth, like Ken said your top wire is def straighter. You do have great looking teeth so it only gets better from here. Happy new year!

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Thanks for the comments everyone!
I wanted to post some new pics I took today. I haven't been inspecting my teeth as much lately just a quick brush and thats it, so when I got up this morning I decided I needed to get back to my 30 minute cleaning ritual. I didn't really notice anything too different until I took the pictures. It looks like my top wire is curving upwards a lot towards my my right (to the left in the picture) Kind of scary when you look at my before braced picture..






I noticed my front teeth have been really sore lately.. this must be why. I don't really understand why it is moving this way though? I understand new gaps and stuff, but this just seems weird. I am thinking about mentioning it to my ortho, but I know everyone here says it gets worse before it get better and thats what I keep thinking to myself. Does anyone else think this is weird or is it normal?

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MOVEMENT!

Dec. 14


Jan.2


I know its not much but I am excited! My canines look like they are starting to move into place!

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Oh and I forgot to mention, I decided to ignore the fact that my upper arch wire is starting to curve so much up to the right. I think its normal and will get better with a few more adjustments. I still think its funny that its moving that way though.. Oh well! I am still really excited about the recent movement in my canines

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new pics today, but not much movement.
My next adjustment is on January 28th, I think I will be very upset if I dont get a thicker wire. I cant wait for my teeth to line up!!






I wonder if my ortho is going to leave my canines pointy.. I kind of like them.. I might change my mind once they are straightened up though.
Will post again after adjustment

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I wish we had an edit button...
I just noticed my upper arch is starting to actually look like an arch! It was square on the picture I posted Jan. 2.. Yay!! I can kind of feel the difference now when I run my tongue along the back of my teeth, before it just felt like a big space where my canines were because they stuck out so much, but now they almost lined up! This is such a good feeling, i should have been braced sooner!

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I just have to post this...

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Today is the two month mark! I cannot beleive how fast time has gone!
Two months down, only ten(ish) more to go!
Easy peasy.

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2nd adjustment today at 12pm!!
I have been soo excited for this appointment, this could be the one that finally moves those canines into place! I also could be getting the elbows for the MARA put in. That wont be so fun.
I'll let you know how it goes!

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I heard my ortho say to put a chain on the bottom, then he changed his mind and said dont change anything, just move up to a 19. She tried to put the thicker wire on the bottom, but because one of my molars is still turnedt, she couldnt get it in (Ill post a pic of that tooth later).
\
I am a little concerned that I havent gotten the elbows put on the MARA yet. Its really not doing anything without the elbows. I feel like if I dont get them on soon, I will have to wear my braces so much longer.

I did change my lig colours finally.. from grey to black. How exciting.