Musings on a year in braces

[marybee]

I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit but everything is cut in small pieces which takes me longer to eat. No problem since it keeps my weight down! There are just some things not for "public consumption" like spinach! They sell shredded lettuce which has been a godsend. You just need to be careful how hard you bite down and chew thoroughly.

I have reached my first year in braces - boy had time flown! Appointment tomorrow will be readjusting brackets and wires. I'm going to ask if they could kick it up a notch since my goal is to have them off by September! At least that was the original plan.......

[plugnickel69]

It's clear I'm getting close to the end of treatment as my teeth are very much aligned and the majority of work left is on my bite. Seems that the elastics are working extremely well and I average over twenty-two hours a day with them, so that part is going fast. I keep them in even at meetings, and would wear them while eating, but that doesn't seem to work as they usually either break or somehow get chewed up even though they are on the outside of my arches.

Original estimate was 1 to 3 years -- not very precise. I guess they never know how quickly an adult's teeth will move. Meanwhile,
I'm thinking it will take closer to 18 months, maybe a little less.

[Dee17]

You must be very happy about that. I know I would be if I were in your shoes. Getting ready to go in for my third adjustment. Just over six months in braces. Can't wait for this to be over.

[Tobilei]

Can't wait for this to be over.

Meeeee either!

[marybee]

I have reached my first year in braces - boy had time flown! Appointment tomorrow will be readjusting brackets and wires. I'm going to ask if they could kick it up a notch since my goal is to have them off by September[quote] so wedding pictures will be braces free (my son is getting married!) At least that was the original plan.......

Well...had my first casualty today...a broken bracket. But, it wasn't my fault! It came off the crown when they removed the power chain so I suspect it was done before then but the power chain was keeping it from falling off entirely. Oh, and never wish for something that could cause extreme pain! The orthodontist agreed the goal would be September only if the teeth cooperate. This visit was not the best one yet. I can normally tolerate pain but if you like your lower lip pulled over the top of your head (LOL!) you would have been in for a real treat. And, since a 10 year old was just getting his braces on next to me, I thought I better be as quiet as possible as I didn't want him to be traumatized...

My ortho is really cool but I thought I would ask a few questions. Since she saw the same concerns (black triangles on top and 1 tooth on the bottom that was lower than the rest), I got the full treatment today! IPR on top (lovely drilling in the mouth....)! Reposition brackets (which means wire size change to lower strength) and I swear (well, at the time I felt like it!!) it was almost impossible to get the bottom wire back in without using my chin as something to grab onto so that the wire would fit. I'm on the small side so when she tried the second time, I kept sliding down the chair. It was funny at the time but once the wire was in, the middle 4 bottom brackets needed additional wires (so they won't escape?). Good news....no power chain on the bottom (feels weird after having one for almost a year!) and a small one on the middle 4 top. Last words before leaving the office: "Would you like 2 or 3 Advil?" The visits are now at 4 week intervals. My teeth are looking really good but now feeling pretty sore

[Dee17]

Isn't it amazing the kind of torture we put up with? My orthodontist and his assistants are pretty gentle but when they were changing the wire the second time, I too felt like I was wrestling an alligator. Not a pleasant experience. But I hate going to the dentist on the best of days so this has been an added bit of "ugh" for me.

[marybee]

It is SO worth it!!!!

[plugnickel69]

Let's not scare people. I have no pain at adjustments and usually no discomfort after, and the changes you see and feel, sometimes on a daily basis, make the experience worth it.

[someguy]

Thanks for that first post. Making me feel a lot better about some of my worries!

[plugnickel69]

Thanks for that first post. Making me feel a lot better about some of my worries!

Glad to be of some help. When I get a chance I'll put all the "musings" together in a sorted way.

[peterataylor]

A great post! Really made me chuckle. It's funny how something as simple as reality can make you laugh!

I'm on day 5 of my treatment, with Fastbraces on both my top and bottom arch. It seems like I have a loooong road ahead. My orthodontist reckons I'll have them on for about a year, which doesn't seem so bad compared to what others have posted.

So far, very little pain, but some sensitivity (particularly when eating). My left cheek is already a little worn, but no need for wax just yet.

My biggest fear is the perception of others! It seems as though there is a far greater stigma against adult brace wearer in the UK, than in other parts of the world (namely the US and Oz) where people seem to be commended for having/wanting a great looking smile. This reminds me of an old episode of The Simpsons where Lisa needs braces. To encourage her in the right direction, the orthodontist brings out The Big Book of British Smiles. Haha! What must the rest of the world think of us Brits and our mangled teeth!!! It ain't a fair cop, guv'nor! Honest!

Muse of the day: This morning, whilst getting my usual caffeine fix on my way to work, a transsexual working in a cafe gave me a funny look when s/he saw my braces. Oh the irony! :)

[paulas1]

What a lovely post!

[plugnickel69]

[quote="peterataylor"]A great post! Really made me chuckle. It's funny how something as simple as reality can make you laugh!

I'm on day 5 of my treatment, with Fastbraces on both my top and bottom arch. It seems like I have a loooong road ahead. My orthodontist reckons I'll have them on for about a year, which doesn't seem so bad compared to what others have posted.

My biggest fear is the perception of others! It seems as though there is a far greater stigma against adult brace wearer in the UK, than in other parts of the world (namely the US and Oz) where people seem to be commended for having/wanting a great looking smile. This reminds me of an old episode of The Simpsons where Lisa needs braces. To encourage her in the right direction, the orthodontist brings out The Big Book of British Smiles. Haha! What must the rest of the world think of us Brits and our mangled teeth!!! It ain't a fair cop, guv'nor! Honest![quote]

Hi peterataylor, I know you're not going to believe this, but before you know it, it will be a "year from now," and you won't believe how fast the time passed. In your case, from looking at your pictures, you will be amazed at how fast the changes will appear as your arches begin to form properly and your teeth move into alignment. What you see in the mirror every day will give you the impetus to put up with any discomfort you may feel from time to time.

As for the British and their teeth, it is probably true that Americans have a negative opinion that is hopefully erroneous.

Good luck with your treatment!

[Dee17]

I think that most Americans have an obsession with "Hollywood smiles". In fact, I know SO many people who had orthodontic work when they were in their teens that I scarcely know a single person (except for myself) with wonky teeth.
I had a great chuckle over your story of the transsexual. What a hoot. I think that must've made your day.
Anyway, you're taking a brave step on your way to getting a beautiful smile. Enjoy the ride. It won't take nearly as long as it feels it will.

[plugnickel69]

After 18 months in braces, and only a week to go, only one person ever mentioned my braces. Ironically, two people asked me this week why I got braces. One is having TMJ and other problems of her own and is wearing a splint, the other was a high public official who I talk to fairly often and never noticed them before. Go figure.