Braced at 33

Message

#1 Post by **JBalt** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:10 pm

Hi there! I want to say THANKS to all contributors on this site - wow, your tips and sharing of your experiences are tremendous and have helped me prepare mentally and physically for braces.

Aug 16th was the big day for me, the start of an 18 month journey. After wearing spacers for 10 days, I went in to get braced, full on metals for me! I got the lower molar bands in, and upper and lower brackets, minus 3 for upcoming bicuspid extractions and I got turbos.

My upper molar bands were fitted but not applied and I had impressions done for a TPA. Wires were only put in the front teeth uppers and lowers-- not sure if it's because we are waiting for the upper molar bands or for the extractions. Thoughts on this? I didn't think to ask at the time... I think i was still stunned at the odd sensations from all the new metal. Next week I go back to get the upper molar bands secured along with the TPA and maybe the full wires.

Even though i have wires only in the front, I was suprised that all my teeth and gums are feeling quite tender. The day after I could barely chew, the next day I could chew comfortably on the left, then the next day, only on the right. The turbos aren't as big a pain as I thought they would be. And no abrasions yet thanks to the "hydrate hydrate hydrate" and "wax is your friend" tips -- there is a wealth of info to be had here for a newbie like me!

Sorry this got so long! Thanks for reading and I'll keep ya'll posted.

#2 Post by **PARR** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:26 pm

I was an 8/16 wire job too, and I agree, this site has saved me the agony of the newbie. I was ready and able to deal with the obstacles in my mouth! lol My partner also got wired up but he's more sensitive, (read whiney) and seems to enjoy suffering alone. Welcome.

#3 Post by **bracedat30** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:44 pm

8/16 was my day too! I had a TPA, lower space maintainer and SmartClips on the lowers put on. 6 mini screw implants on the 23rd and then the upper clear SmartClips on the 30th! It's a hectic month! Good luck with everything - from a fellow "braced in her thirties".

#4 Post by **cwatt1** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 3:45 am

Welcome JBalt! So glad you found this forum useful, as I have. Glad you're adapting well.

Here's to your TPA's doing its work and your comfort while wearing it!

Looking forward to following your journey.

#5 Post by **Indalee** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:33 am

Hello! and Congratulation to you all. I know this site really helped me in many ways when it came time for me to get braces. The pain will decrease down to nothing in time but to help toughen up those checks, do the warm salt water rinses often.

I look forward to hearing more about your journey towards a perfect smile!

#6 Post by **katmc_tx** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 9:11 am

Hi JBalt welcome to the club. I am also 33 and I'm hoping at the end of my journey. I'm at a stand still with a gap between my lower right six and seven and just waiting for it to close. Good luck with your treatment and you're right about this being a great site for all kinds of answers and support.

#7 Post by **Danielle** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:06 pm

Wires were only put in the front teeth uppers and lowers-- not sure if it's because we are waiting for the upper molar bands or for the extractions. Thoughts on this?

That happened to me as well. I had molar bands on two of my bottom molars but no wire through them... that didn't happen until I had two premolars extracted and I got a stronger wire. On the top--they didn't band me and add wire for a few months--again, when my wire got stronger. I don't know what the logic is but so far it seems to be working!

#8 Post by **JBalt** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:05 pm

Today I went in and got my upper molar bands put in, along with the TPA. Oh boy, the TPA will take some getting used to. My mouth kept keeps producing extra saliva, then as I swallow, the suction puts pressure on the wire which then transfers to the molars that they are attached to. That's not comfortable! Hopefully my mouth gets used to this new accessory quickly!

So far the brackets and the molar bands with their tubes and brackets haven't caused any significant chafing (thanks to salt water rinses and staying hydrated). My tongue already bears the TPA impression but no pain yet and I'm hoping no soreness comes out of that.

I still only have wires in the U and L front teeth. I asked this time and found out that I will not be getting the full wires until after my extractions of 3 bicuspids. Then i have to wait 2 weeks for gums to heal before getting the full archwires. The extraction app't hasn't been scheduled yet cuz I am still waiting for my referral from my regular dentist, fun fun. My ortho office is always super busy so I went ahead and made an appt to get the full wires to save the date... the next avail opening is early November! Gosh I wish I could get in sooner... I see all the lovely teeth movement that people experience in the first couple months and I want that for me too! Oh well, I will get there soon enough. Thanks for reading and following me on this journey!