Upper linguals, lower ceramics - experience so far!

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#1 Post by **jessicamay** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 5:19 am

Hi everyone,

I posted a while ago when I first had linguals on top so thought I'd now update for anyone who was going for the same combination of linguals on top and ceramics on the bottom.

It took me about 2-3 weeks to get completely used to the linguals with speech and eating etc and have been so pleased with them so far, I saw the difference in my teeth after about 4-5 weeks! Total time I've had top linguals on is 8 weeks now.

I went for lower ceramics due to it being a cheaper option and have had my lower brace on for about 2 and a half weeks now. It took just over a week for my mouth to get used to it - the brackets and wire really cut into my lower lip which felt like an ulcer that would never heal, and I just couldn't get the hang of the wax so put up with it by taking pain killers every now and then. Now my mouth has completely healed, speech is fine and you can't see the brackets because my lip is always covering them, even when I smile. My teeth themselves were sore for a little while but that got better quite quickly and I'm now chewing like a trooper!

Glad to have both sets of braces on now, I'm completely happy with how things have worked out so far and the rest of treatment should fly by!

For whoever asked about snogging, I've had no problems haha!!

If anything, I'm smiling more than I ever have.

#2 Post by **drpotter** » Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:02 pm

Thanks for the update! I went for the exact same combo, at exactly a week now (had them both on at the same time) and it's about the same. I'd say the linguals are the more comfortable of the two, I feel like my lower lip had a bad run in with a weed whacker. I've been using the silicone wax all across the bottom (I just took a whole row and slide it across, I can pop it off and on too) as a guard and it's really helping.

Glad to hear you adjusted so fast! I'm well on my way but speech is definitely still impacted.

I started seeing movement after less than 2 days, freaked me out!

#3 Post by **jessicamay** » Thu Apr 01, 2010 10:30 am

Ah great to hear you're doing well too, especially with going for both braces on at the same time!!

Because I couldn't get on with the wax I found the only thing that soothed my mouth was a few glasses of wine!! Although I'm all healed now I've noticed I have a few little ridges of skin that have built up on the inside of my bottom lip (think it must be from where the wire presses against my lip). So maybe I should have tried harder with wax...ah well

Seeing movement in my lower teeth now, very satisfying!! Hope your speech is improving

#4 Post by **BecStar** » Tue May 18, 2010 2:27 pm

jessicamay wrote: I found the only thing that soothed my mouth was a few glasses of wine!!

...Where is the 'like' button when you need it!?!

x

#5 Post by **NervousNewbie** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:43 pm

I haven't had my consult yet but I am going to go for this combo for financial reasons if I am an eligible candidate and if we can work out a payment plan. Is it more common for orthos to put both on at the same time, or for them to do tops, wait a few weeks, and then do bottoms (or vice versa)? For those who have a combo which do you think was harder to get used to?

#6 Post by **ShySmile** » Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:22 pm

Hi Guys,

I am still waiting for my linguals to be made.... I did ask the ortho if i would have the lower ceramics fitted while im waiting for the uppers, and he said no.

I was abit upset as i thought it would be a good idea to have a week or so of getting use to the ceramics first. He told me having them on at different times will increase the treatment time....??

I just want to say i am soooo scared of the pain

#7 Post by **jessicamay** » Thu Aug 26, 2010 9:37 am

Hey all,

I had the upper linguals first then lower ceramics about 6 weeks later. I think my ortho went for this combo as I had a bit more that needed to move on top. Having both at the same time may not be so bad - at least it's all out of the way, but yes expect to have tender teeth for a few days and for the lower ceramic to dig into your lip. Just stick to pain killers and you'll be just fine!!

I'm about 7 months in and grinning at everyone like a mental patient because I'm so pleased - still no one noticing the lower ceramics!!

Good luck and remember, pain killers and a glass of wine to make you feel better!!

#8 Post by **ShySmile** » Thu Aug 26, 2010 5:46 pm

Haha! Thanks for the encouragement...i wont be forgetting the wine...!

Would you or anyone else feel comfortable posting photos. Really want to see what im in for!

Also jessicamay, has your ortho spoken to you about needing those screws (tads)??

#9 Post by **starlight1** » Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:11 am

I had the same combo, put on together three days ago, and four extractions 10 days before that. Have to admit - the WORST for me were the spacers.
I have a slight lisp now - and am eating soft foods. The pain was minimal after the braces were put on. Best advice i got though "WAX UP AT NIGHT" put wax on the linguals to stop your tongue getting cut and inlays and on the bottom ceramics to stop ridges on your lip from getting indents. Works like a bomb, and aside from the first day - I haven't really used wax or silicone any other time either.

Many posts I've read made me really worried about the linguals - but can honestly say - i've been pleasantly surprised...
Will let you know in a week if I still can't say "suffering sackatash" tho!