15 months in - the things I have noticed

[samsung]

First of all - awesome site. Very informative and has been helpful to me when I have viewed it in the past so thought I'd contribute.

Got braces about 15 months ago - metal on bottom(this is where most of the crowding was) and ceramic on the top.
For anyone debating over the two; ceramic braces ARE MUCH LESS NOTICEABLE. Anyone who says otherwise is wrong. You hear about staining and discolouration but this isnt as bad as it sometimes made to sound IMO. Only the ligatures(?) stain (and this is by no means horrendous) and they get replaced every visit anyways. However, metal braces work quicker so if ceramic was going to greatly increase treatment time then I'd opt for metal because I'm not that bothered either way tbh lol.

Lots of people talked about being in pain and I honeslty don't know whether I have just been lucky, but apart from slight tightness after visits - especially early on - I have had none at all.
Prior to getting braces, I had bad tooth ache and had several rotten ones removed and any pain is no way comparable to such tooth ache, believe me!... so if thats worrying you, stop worrying.

I also think you get what you pay for. Living in the UK as I do, some dentistry is free on the NHS but I prefer to pay for private treatment.
I didnt go the dentist for about 8/9 years (!) - between about the ages of about 15-24. This is partly because I dont like going to the dentist/ doctors unless really necessary and partly because when your teeth are crooked like mine were you are slightly ashamed and treat them with less importance( I'm sure some on this board can relate). Visted an NHS dentist and private one for consultations & private dentist was MILES better. Both said I had to have teeth removed but private guy took more time explaining/ using x-rays to illustrate.
He also recommended braces (he brought it up, not me) and referred me to the orthodontist I am at now, whereas the NHS guy said I really should have had braces at a young age" and that it was "a bit late in the day for that now"....hmmm, apparently not, pal.

Sometimes hear stories about people not being happy with their orthodontist but mine is brillaint. Very funny, pleasant guy. He's always talking, explaining and will answer any questions. After my initial consultation he saw me again later for free when I was still undecided. This is another example I think of paying slightly more for better service or at least being sure before you part with your money. Never get the impression I'm being bs'ed or he's taking shortcuts and thats reassuring. He said from the outset that he couldnt get them perfect and would be lying if he said otherwise but they look pretty good to me now lol.

I have also learned that 12-18 months is not a long time. When you first decide to go ahead it seems like an eternity but time flys..

[lau]

Thanks for posting this- it is very encouraging! i just got my braces full metal and they said 18 months. i am trying to think of it as just 12 months because 1/2 year more seems like forever.
how do your teeth look? are you satisfied?

[samsung]

No worries & lol, yeah I did the same. prognosis was18-24 months & I just kinda concentrated on making the first year. Had em about 16/17mths now and should be off in another 3/4.
First few days are the worst & I assumed I'd be cursing them every day but have got used to em personally.
Teeth are much much better- one of the best things about braces(especially metal ones) is the speed with which you start seeing changes/ improvement. This makes it much easier to tolerate them IMO.
Main reason people consider braces is obviously because they are self conscious about their smile, yet by the same token are reluctant to get them because...they would be selfconscious about them! I decided it was kinda a contradiction in terms and made no sense to stay that way for the rest of my life when braces would only be for 18months.

All the best