Is it worth me getting braces?

[Melissa92]

Hi,

I'm Melissa and i'm from the UK, I've joined up because i'm thinking about getting braces but I'm not sure whether I really want them or not... My teeth are not too bad, they are not in fantastic alignment or anything but lately when I put my front teeth together the back ones don't meet up - makes chewing difficult sometimes...

I've been to see an orthodontist today and he said that the only way to fix things is with braces. Time wise I have been told that I am looking at around about 18 months and the cost is likely to be £2,000 or so - does that sound in the right ballpark? What is it like to live with braces, are they a real nightmare or is it ok for the most part? I've said that I will let the orthodontist know whether I want to go ahead or not in the next few days so any advice would be great!

Melissa :)

[hazybubbles]

Hi I'm in the UK too. Mine were £2500 with around 18 months predicted but its going to be a few months longer. To be honest after the first week or so braces are just part of your mouth and life and you get used to them. I partly got mostly got mine for cosmetic reasons although I was also having problems with my bite, but I didn't realise how off it was until it started improving. Just be prepared for things to sometimes feel worse than they did to start with and to be changing all the time before its all finished.

[Melissa92]

Hi, thanks! I guess I'm just a bit worried about pain really, is that something you always have to put up with or does it get easier with time?

[nikkibabie19]

Hi, like hazybubbles said. It is worth it. In the end you will feel better about urself knowing you did something to help improve the way things are now( which obviosuly ur not 100% happy wid else u wudnt be here lol)

Painwise, its not SOOOOOOOOOOOO bad... I mean at first it is uncomfortable to eat with...but i mean it doesnt HURT all the time (for me at least) the pain was just when i tried chewing...Once i didnt there was no pain jus pressure (which u get used to pretty fast)

After that you get used to it....I had an adjustment today (9am) and had a normal lunch this evening...it was my 2nd adjustment after my 1st one i couldnt eat normal foods (only things like mashed potatoes, paste etc) But that was only for the first 3days or so...

You'd be surprised at how quickly ur body (mouth) gets used to it...

Best of Luck.

[margarets]

You can take longer to decide if you want. There's no rush. It's a big commitment of time and money and you should feel that it's right for you.

Ultimately, only you can make this choice. Yes, there will be some pain, discomfort, hassle and expense. At the end you should have beautiful teeth.

Most people on this forum would say it's worth it.

[Angel269]

Hi Melissa

I'm also in the UK and I have upper ceramic braces to close my diastema.

I had a dental phobia as a teen (the thought of metal braces) sparked my phobia and anything dental related became a no go.

I decided to take the plunge as I couldn't deal with the self consciousness that I am going through cos of my teeth hence why I picked the ceramic. People don't even notice my braces cos they are clear and have a coated archwire (even now I have faced my fear I wouldn't have had the confidence to go down the metal route).

I took a few days to adjust to the brackets and feeling of them rubbing but wax helped me through that initial phase.

Knowing what my end result will look like, along with the knowledge I will have confidence at the end is what made me go for it after being so very uncertain for months.

The changes I have seen in the first month make me realise I am doing the right thing

[therampagerado]

Totally worth it! Go ahead! You won't regret it!

[bracegrl]

I think its totally worth it. If you can commit to the payments (and its not a burden) and found the right Ortho..why not.

[zdenka]

Hi there,

I am 33 and just got braces about 3 months ago. Well so far I am hating every second of this journey.

I didn't feel any significant pain, just a little discomfort. I got used to eating with them even though I am missing some foods..... nothing dreadful. I am sure once I am done I will be eating salads for months

The issue I have is how self conscious the braces made me. I never had tons of confidence (partly due to my teeth) but whatever there was, is now gone. I don't go out as much, I don't smile and I avoid talking to people.

I don't want to say that I wouldn't do it all over again because I know the result will be great (or so I hope) and I really have no choice now. I still have about 15 months to go.

I think it has a lot to do with my age. Just make sure you really want it and stay focus on the result. Good luck.

[elainek]

Hi Melissa!

I would definitely encourage you to get braces. You obviously aren't 100% happy with your teeth and that probably wont go away. I first considered getting braces 4 years ago and it took me 4 years to build up the courage - I could have gone through treatment twice over already! So hopefully you take the plunge and go for it!

As for the pain, it does hurt like hell the day of the adjustment (think I've had 5 so far) but nothing panadol can't get rid of, and then for me by the next day the pain is gone and its just pressure. You adapt really quick though! Also i haven't really given up any foods so as long as you're careful it doesnt have to be a massive impact on your life!

Zdenka - I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time with your braces. I totally understand - I've met up with a few friends lately that I haven't seen in a long time and especially if I'm eating, all I can think about is my braces and how obvious they are. The one this though is that we really are more concious of our teeth than everyone else! Some people haven't even noticed my braces, and they're not that invisible...I think they just weren't paying much attention. Hopefully it gets better for you <hug>

[Melissa92]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for the replies and useful information! I've just got off the phone with the orthodontist and I'm going for it! Due to get spacers put in next Monday and then braces a week after that! Looking forward to it but also slightly nervous now!

Melissa :)

[curious19]

Hi Melissa!
Hope u r in the pink of health. :)
I am in the same situation as u. Even i am considering whether to get braces on or not. Well the main reason y i am considering getting braces is becoz i have a deep SKELETAL overbite AND overjet, and am more concerned abt my facial esthetics rather than dental health, although there a few question in my mind which i think u shld consider too:
1)Will i look better after my orthodontic treatment is complete??
2) Will i have a better smile after my orthodontic treatment is complete??
3)Will my lips close properly after my orthodontic treatment is complete??
4)Will i look horrible with my braces on??
5)Do i have the time to get this done??
6)Will i be able to look myself satisfactorily in the mirror with my braces on??
7)Will i be able to bear the pain??
8)Will my "orthodontic camouflage" change my jaw/cheekbones structure??
.......................... and so many more questions
But according to what i read so far, I THINK ITS WORTH IT.GO FOR IT. Its the better look u r going for, like everyone said. But in the end its u who has to make the descision..
Good luck

[lmac]

I asked myself the same question months ago and now I'm sitting here with braces thinking 'this isnt as bad as I first thought!'

[zdenka]

Melissa,

congrats on your decision. Good luck and come here often. Everyone is very supportive

Zdenka - I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time with your braces. I totally understand - I've met up with a few friends lately that I haven't seen in a long time and especially if I'm eating, all I can think about is my braces and how obvious they are. The one this though is that we really are more concious of our teeth than everyone else! Some people haven't even noticed my braces, and they're not that invisible...I think they just weren't paying much attention. Hopefully it gets better for you <hug>

Thanks. Yes, I need to get over this or else it will be 15 months of misery. You're right, nobody but me probably even cares

[Ness817]

I am answering yes. I got spacers on Monday and Braces will be on the 28th, two days before my 33 bday. I have thought about braces for several years, planned on getting them with my daughter, she ended up with perfect teeth. An 18 year old i work with has braces, and i figured I would just bite the bullet. Lots of adults have problems with there teeth, I have a very narrow jaw, crowding and need them. The longer you wait, the older you will be when they come off.

Sentenced to 24 months, and expanders. paid $4250