please help - stuck between lingual and ceramic :(

Message

#16 Post by **ScottR** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 11:10 pm

I think your speech should your biggest concern. I would rather others see my braces than wonder why I'm slurring words... Just a thought.

#17 Post by **shan*rock** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 6:52 am

I'm 27 and have ceramic uppers and metal lowers. I totally understand your concerns about appearance, as I'm sure most of us do. I went to my consult thinking I would ONLY get linguals or Invisalign on my upper teeth and if they couldn't do it, I wouldn't do anything.

Invisalign was not an option, linguals were but my ortho said if it were him or I were his kid, he would go with ceramics. He promised me that I would quickly get used to them and most people wouldn't even notice. I trusted him and got the ceramics and he was right. The first few days I felt like a mutant, but that feeling went away so fast. And everyone else either doesn't notice, or tells me they look kinda cute in a cute teenager kinda way. Everyone at work has been super supportive.

I think the main reason I felt like a mutant those first few days was because I was self-conscious and kept trying to not smile big and hide them with my lips, which really makes things look worse I think. My braces look the best and less noticable when I'm smiling big, so I do. I smile more now than I think I ever did. Good luck with whatever choice you make. You'll eventually be happy with either.

#18 Post by **metalmonkey** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:41 am

Great post Shan. I am also 27 and my ortho said exactly the same (except he said sister not kid lol) I came on the forum with exactly the same dilemma as Laura a couple of weeks ago and now feel pretty confident about my choice and because of asking so many's opinion on the boards I feel like it is an informed decision at that.

I am going for ceramics top and bottom and as long as I can get my ligs changed regularly enough and find a way to floss I will be a happy bunny. My treatment window is 14-18months so will be an almost 30yr old with perfect teeth and that is good enough for me!

I am self employed, as well as working freelance for others, my job has a LOT to do with how I look but I have mentioned it on industry boards I belong to and the reception has been great. People seem to have a lot of respect for someone that is bothered enough to do something about it, especially at our age.

#19 Post by **lauren** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:36 am

shan*rock, thank you SO MUCH! Iam in the same situation so I'm glad that it seems to be okay.

He told me today that if I choose to start with ceramic, I'll be able to switch to lingual if I hate them that bad with no additional fees outside of what he woudl have originally charged for lingual. That sort of peace of mind makes a huge difference. I think i'm going for ceramic!

Lauren

shan*rock wrote:I'm 27 and have ceramic uppers and metal lowers. I totally understand your concerns about appearance, as I'm sure most of us do. I went to my consult thinking I would ONLY get linguals or Invisalign on my upper teeth and if they couldn't do it, I wouldn't do anything.

Invisalign was not an option, linguals were but my ortho said if it were him or I were his kid, he would go with ceramics. He promised me that I would quickly get used to them and most people wouldn't even notice. I trusted him and got the ceramics and he was right. The first few days I felt like a mutant, but that feeling went away so fast. And everyone else either doesn't notice, or tells me they look kinda cute in a cute teenager kinda way. Everyone at work has been super supportive.

I think the main reason I felt like a mutant those first few days was because I was self-conscious and kept trying to not smile big and hide them with my lips, which really makes things look worse I think. My braces look the best and less noticable when I'm smiling big, so I do. I smile more now than I think I ever did. Good luck with whatever choice you make. You'll eventually be happy with either.

#20 Post by **lauren** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:37 am

Thanks so much! It's so good to know that other people really did have the same concerns as me and were able to come out okay. You can be my braces buddy! I'm 26 and will probably get them on in the next couple of weeks.

I'm a professioal photographer who photographs lots of models on top of my regular wedding work so it's hard not to feel inferior!

metalmonkey wrote:Great post Shan. I am also 27 and my ortho said exactly the same (except he said sister not kid lol) I came on the forum with exactly the same dilemma as Laura a couple of weeks ago and now feel pretty confident about my choice and because of asking so many's opinion on the boards I feel like it is an informed decision at that.

I am going for ceramics top and bottom and as long as I can get my ligs changed regularly enough and find a way to floss I will be a happy bunny. My treatment window is 14-18months so will be an almost 30yr old with perfect teeth and that is good enough for me!

I am self employed, as well as working freelance for others, my job has a LOT to do with how I look but I have mentioned it on industry boards I belong to and the reception has been great. People seem to have a lot of respect for someone that is bothered enough to do something about it, especially at our age.

#21 Post by **Lola** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:04 pm

It's fab your ortho will let you switch for no additional fee- 5 gold stars for him/her!!! I have ceramics- my uppers need clear ligs which stain badly but, drum roll please, I am allowed change myself!!!! 5 gold stars for my guy too! Not everyone is allowed do this I think, but it can't hurt to ask. I am so glad you have gone beyond the invisable only phase- I was so sure I would walk out the door and never come back if they wouldn't give me Invisalign, but once you're in the place you are now you can't quit, and I'm so glad I didn't.
And by the way, I bet some of those models will get their own inferiority complex two years from no when you unveil your new smile!!

#22 Post by **lauren** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:16 am

Thank you so much Lola - it's so good to hear someone else going through something similar!

i think i'm going to create a blog about it too. I normally am on LiveJournal but they don't appear to have a community for braces! SO i might make a blog just for my own record.

Lola wrote:It's fab your ortho will let you switch for no additional fee- 5 gold stars for him/her!!! I have ceramics- my uppers need clear ligs which stain badly but, drum roll please, I am allowed change myself!!!! 5 gold stars for my guy too! Not everyone is allowed do this I think, but it can't hurt to ask. I am so glad you have gone beyond the invisable only phase- I was so sure I would walk out the door and never come back if they wouldn't give me Invisalign, but once you're in the place you are now you can't quit, and I'm so glad I didn't.
And by the way, I bet some of those models will get their own inferiority complex two years from no when you unveil your new smile!!

#23 Post by **over55** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:40 am

I am a newbie (2 weeks) with a ceramic upper and metal bottom. I am a teacher and am surprising students of all ages with my mouth. The younger children show shock and confusion ("an old lady isn't suppose to wear braces!

) to high schoolers teasing playfully. I just remind myself that I wanted braces almost all of my life and soon the shock will wear off.[/b]

#24 Post by **lauren** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:36 pm

Thanks over55 for your experience! How long are you expecting to have them? Are you having any problems with them?

over55 wrote:I am a newbie (2 weeks) with a ceramic upper and metal bottom. I am a teacher and am surprising students of all ages with my mouth. The younger children show shock and confusion ("an old lady isn't suppose to wear braces! ) to high schoolers teasing playfully. I just remind myself that I wanted braces almost all of my life and soon the shock will wear off.[/b]

#25 Post by **over55** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:50 pm

I was told I would have my braces for 1 1/2 to 2 years. It takes some getting use to having them in your mouth. But I think you gradually adjust to the feeling and the "intrusion" in your mouth.

I did soften the tone of my lipstick color and if my lips should look puffy I figure I have the Angelina Jolie look of full lips AND straightening my teeth at the same time. Chewing food and the texture or the hard/soft food takes some hit and miss. But I did eat some tortilla chips and butter pecan ice cream without trouble or problems to my mouth jewelry this past weekend. I'm just going to end this by saying, it's amazing how many of my older students are in awe that I would take this step and not be embarassed. Lauren, please keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do. Also please message us when you get your braces on. I'm sure you will have any questions or concerns answered faithfully by all of the experts.

#26 Post by **lauren** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:16 pm

Hi again

I've decided to go with the ceramics. My ortho saying I could "always change to lingual if I hate them" helped me make the decision, because I know I won't hate them as much as I think I will

I've posted some of my back story at lifeinbraces.blogspot.com if you're interested, but I won't be offended if you're not.

Either way I'm happy to have a braces buddy whose story I can read and we can commisserate! I'd' love to see your "before" pictures!

over55 wrote:I was told I would have my braces for 1 1/2 to 2 years. It takes some getting use to having them in your mouth. But I think you gradually adjust to the feeling and the "intrusion" in your mouth. I did soften the tone of my lipstick color and if my lips should look puffy I figure I have the Angelina Jolie look of full lips AND straightening my teeth at the same time. Chewing food and the texture or the hard/soft food takes some hit and miss. But I did eat some tortilla chips and butter pecan ice cream without trouble or problems to my mouth jewelry this past weekend. I'm just going to end this by saying, it's amazing how many of my older students are in awe that I would take this step and not be embarassed. Lauren, please keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do. Also please message us when you get your braces on. I'm sure you will have any questions or concerns answered faithfully by all of the experts.

#27 Post by **over55** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:30 pm

I will visit your blog after dinner. Just joining the group today, I have a lot of exploring or surfing to do. From your posting it sounds as though you are more comfortable with the idea of wearing the ceramics (that's half the battle). I will have to ask my Ortodontist for a copy of my "before" picture. I was very self conscious of having my picture taken before with my teeth.

#28 Post by **lauren** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:15 pm

I just joined last week and this group has been a HUGE help in making my decisions. Welcome again and nicve to meet you!

over55 wrote:I will visit your blog after dinner. Just joining the group today, I have a lot of exploring or surfing to do. From your posting it sounds as though you are more comfortable with the idea of wearing the ceramics (that's half the battle). I will have to ask my Ortodontist for a copy of my "before" picture. I was very self conscious of having my picture taken before with my teeth.

#29 Post by **over55** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:21 pm

Lauren,

What a beautiful introduction for your journey. The pictures and explanation are fantastic and gives me a better understanding why you will be wearing braces. (You and Brian make a beautiful couple).

#30 Post by **lauren** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:28 pm

Oh thank you! It's hard because no one seems to understand - my mom's like "Eh, I never thought to get you braces because they didn't seem that bad to me." Even now she doesn't "get it". She says they aren't "that bad", but I hate what I see when I look in the mirror and that's no way to live life!

Thanks for looking at my new blog, you're probably my first visitor!

over55 wrote:Lauren,

What a beautiful introduction for your journey. The pictures and explanation are fantastic and gives me a better understanding why you will be wearing braces. (You and Brian make a beautiful couple).