Let the countdown begin!

[Lucky13NJ]

Hi Everyone! I have been checking out this board over the past couple months and I am so glad I found it! Like many others, I had put off getting braces for far too long. I had partial braces on my front 4 teeth when I was younger but at the time never went through with full braces due to various reasons. I finally got over my nervousness about the dentist when I found a truly great one and about a year ago, he started this discussion about how I should look into braces. Of course, I kindly ignored him since I felt it wasn't for me at age 34, but finally this past Fall, I was ready to get more serious. After gathering some recommendations, I set up a consultation with one.
One of my main concerns was that I had a canine that stuck out too far on my top left and a canine that never came down on my top right, and I have two crooked teeth on the bottom that just had no room to straighten. I also went in to the consultation knowing that my teeth are crowded. The ortho recommended I have 2 teeth extracted and I would have my unerupted canine exposed and brought down. However, after seeing the oral surgeon, we all decided to leave the unerupted canine where it is because it's so far up and may not move at all anyway.
Final decision - I had 2 teeth removed at the end of December. I had spacers put in on January 2nd, impressions on January 9th, and spacers put back in. On January 21st, I will have a full set of metal upper and lower braces and a lower holding arch.
I haven't told many people that I am getting braces because those I have told either are very supportive OR give me that "face" and ask why would I do that to myself since I'm in my 30's. I figure my co-workers and 7th grade students will be surprised on January 22nd!! That's why I am so glad that I found this site and its supportive members! So HI!! =)

[Tobilei]

Welcome I too am 34 and spent ages making the decision. In the end it was seeing the amazing improvements in my 13 year old's teeth that made me decide to finally do something (with a bit of a push from my husband). Good luck for the big day (not that you'll need it, that part is a piece of cake!)

[Kipepeo]

Welcome Lucky. 7th graders, huh? They'll take one look, acknowledge them somehow, and that's the last you'll probably hear of it!!

[Dee17]

Hi Lucky13NJ,
Welcome to the club (well, almost!),
This forum has been enormously helpful to me. I am 54 years old and got full metal upper and lower braces at the end of October. Be prepared for a bit of a shock the first time you see yourself in them. But you'll adapt to them quickly, I think. I know I did. I hardly even gasp when I look in the mirror anymore The worst part for me at the beginning was figuring out how to floss my teeth. I'd definitely recommend that you consider buying a waterpic and stock up on some floss threaders. Good luck with your journey and I'll be keeping an eye on your postings!!

[Lucky13NJ]

Thanks everyone for your responses and your welcomes!

Kipepeo - I agree with you! I think the most I might hear are questions about which colors I'm picking next!

Tobilei - Thanks, I'm ready to get them on and start seeing some changes! And I'm glad to meet someone else my age!

Dee17 - Thanks for the welcome! I know it's going to take some getting used to but I keep telling myself how happy I will be once they come off! And thanks for the waterpic advice, I actually bought one when I saw it on sale right after I made the decision to get braced. I guess I should open the box and try it out this week!

6 days left!

[Dee17]

I hope that everything will be smooth sailing for you after you get your braces on. Glad to know you were able to get a waterpic. I'm telling you, mine saved my life the first week after I got my braces put on. The first night when I tried to floss my teeth?? Oh, my God! I finally gave up after an hour and I was in tears. i used my waterpic instead for that night and the next week. Now, I feel like I've become an old pro at it. I can do it now in about 15 minutes. Yay!
Anyway, best of luck to you and check in with us after you get wired up. We'll all be looking for your photos!

[Ellabelle]

Hi Lucky and welcome! Ah, the countdown days are so exciting. I had a widget on my phone's homescreen, and loved waking up to a new, lower number every morning. This site has been enormously helpful to me at all stages of my decision-making process. It is such a wonderful, supportive community. I'm so happy you're here and that you've decided to take the leap. Keep us posted!!