Hi I'm Matt and I'm 38. I am currently in the process of deciding to get braces after suffering from crowded teeth for a long time. As a kid, I had typically bad teeth and was always needing fillings and crowns, so the dentist said I couldn't have braces because I wouldn't look after them. Now 25 years has passed and I'm considering it again. But I'm apprehensive. How long are treatment times? Will I need teeth extracted? How painful is it? All these questions hinder my decision. Any advice would be appreciated, and if somebody could please tell me how to post some pictures, I will.
Matt.
Getting Braces?
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TumbleDryLow
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Hi and welcome.
First of all, check out this handy "how to" for posting photos: viewtopic.php?t=11741
As for treatment times and extractions, only an orthodontist can tell you. I strongly suggest scheduling one or two consultations. They are either free or nearly free. I think that speaking with an orthodontist will put your mind at ease.
How painful? Overall, not bad. At first, while you are getting used to everything, you will be wondering why in the world you put yourself though this. But that passes very quickly, you get used to the braces, the pain subsides, and eventually you really do forget they are there. You can have some pain after an adjustment, but it's not going to be anything some OTC pain meds can't handle.
FWIW, I had the very same apprehensions as you. I hemmed and hawed for 10 years over the exact same questions / issues you post here. At 35 I finally got braces. Now that I have gone though the process and am about to be debraced next month, I'm kicking myself for not doing this sooner.
First of all, check out this handy "how to" for posting photos: viewtopic.php?t=11741
As for treatment times and extractions, only an orthodontist can tell you. I strongly suggest scheduling one or two consultations. They are either free or nearly free. I think that speaking with an orthodontist will put your mind at ease.
How painful? Overall, not bad. At first, while you are getting used to everything, you will be wondering why in the world you put yourself though this. But that passes very quickly, you get used to the braces, the pain subsides, and eventually you really do forget they are there. You can have some pain after an adjustment, but it's not going to be anything some OTC pain meds can't handle.
FWIW, I had the very same apprehensions as you. I hemmed and hawed for 10 years over the exact same questions / issues you post here. At 35 I finally got braces. Now that I have gone though the process and am about to be debraced next month, I'm kicking myself for not doing this sooner.
Thanks for that 
Well I hope that comes up with my picture! As you can see my uppers are very crowded, and although you can't see my lowers due to my big overbite, they are crooked too. I have an appointment with an ortho today to discuss my case. Anyone know what happens at these initial appointments? Well anyway, these are my teeth, what do you guys think?!
Well I hope that comes up with my picture! As you can see my uppers are very crowded, and although you can't see my lowers due to my big overbite, they are crooked too. I have an appointment with an ortho today to discuss my case. Anyone know what happens at these initial appointments? Well anyway, these are my teeth, what do you guys think?!
Welcome!
At the initial consult, they take pictures of your teeth and molds. Then the orthodontist tells you what type of treatment should be done and how long. The majority here have gotten several different consults.
Congratulations for taking the journey! I was braced at 34. It was the best decision of my life. My teeth were very crowded also.
It hurts at first, but once you get used to the braces, the pain subsides.
Best of luck to you!!!
At the initial consult, they take pictures of your teeth and molds. Then the orthodontist tells you what type of treatment should be done and how long. The majority here have gotten several different consults.
Congratulations for taking the journey! I was braced at 34. It was the best decision of my life. My teeth were very crowded also.
It hurts at first, but once you get used to the braces, the pain subsides.
Best of luck to you!!!
