23, 2nd Round of Braces Concerns

[amm531]

Hi everyone. I'm 23 years old and getting braces for the second time on January 8th. I'm super anxious and have a lot of concerns regarding self-esteem, extractions, facial changes, etc.

A little background: I first had braces in middle school and my treatment was pretty extensive. I had an expander, a herbst/forsus appliance, elastics and was in braces for 3 years. When the braces were finally off I was given upper and lower retainers with instructions to wear them for about 3 years (every night at first and then eventually weaning me off of them). I did exactly as I was told and had no problems for a while. In my sophomore year of high school, I started having issues with TMJ and grinding my teeth at night. I saw a variety of doctors to treat this, but never went back to the orthodontist because I had already been treated and cleared and my teeth hadn't shifted at all. By my freshman year of college, my teeth had shifted a bit and I wanted to start wearing the retainers again, but they wouldn't fit and so I went back to the orthodontist to get new ones made. At this appointment, my orthodontist noticed I had a tongue thrust that should have been treated before I got the braces the first time. He said I needed to go through speech therapy to correct the tongue thrust and come back for braces once we did that. Though I did do the speech therapy, at 19, I was pretty much in denial about the whole thing and blatantly refused to go back for braces.

Fast forward to now, after college, and I've been so self conscious about my smile for the last five years. I'm in a place where I can afford Invisalign so I went back to hopefully get an Invisalign consultation. My orthodontist flat out told me that my case is far out of the scope of Invisalign and that I'll need braces or my jaw problems will only get worse. I've decided to bite the bullet and just do the braces so I can finally have relief from my TMJ and feel good about my smile. Luckily, my orthodontist is going to do the treatment for next to nothing, so I don't need to worry about the cost. But I will be in braces for two years and need my upper first premolars extracted to correct my overbite/open bite.

Has anyone had any experience with the premolar extraction changing their facial appearance? I've read some horror stories online and I'm terrified. Also how long did it take for your gaps to close? I'm already mortified to have to go to work and out on the weekends with my braces, I feel like I'm going to look so weird when there are gaping holes in my smile too.

Also, anyone that had problems with grinding teeth/bruxism before braces that have been solved by their treatment? I'm really looking forward to that potentially being resolved, though I'm not necessarily optimistic.

Finally, I'm just looking for any kind of support in dealing with self-confidence and self-esteem in braces. I don't really know any adults who have braces and I feel very lonely and unconsolable about the whole thing. I'm afraid I'm going to be depressed once they are on and not want to leave the house.

This seemed like a good place to leave my concerns and get the support I needed from people who have been there. I know this is a novel so thanks for reading!

[kathydell]

Hi amm531 - I can only help with the confidence issues as I didn't experience some of the other things you mentioned. I was so nervious and self conscious getting braces at 47 that I got drunked and cried myself to sleep the night before. I was so upset the orthodontist kept saying "we don't have to do this today". Fast forward 9 months and I am so thrilled. I didn't smile much in the beginning but my fiance one day said it was disappointing that I stopped smiling at all. That wasn't the goal so I put on my big girl panties and started smiling big. To be honest, just about nobody notices my braces but me. And the very few people that have noticed in that time have given me tons of credit for doing it. It's really hard to muster up the courage but once you do, you will be so happy you did. It is the single biggest thing I ever did for myself and I am so happy I finally did it.

[sirwired]

Yes, sometimes extractions don't go well. But the vast majority of them do, and without them (depending on case), a long-term stable result might not be possible.

As a side-note, your experience is why many orthodontists advocate lifetime night-time retainer wear (for at least a few days a week.) My wife got her braces off about 30 years ago, and she still wears a retainer 3 or 4 nights a week.

[amm531]

Thanks for the encouragement, kathydell, I hope that I'm able to feel glad that I'm doing it once the braces are on. The waiting period is terrible, because I don't know how I'm going to look or feel and I'm just anticipating. I really think I would feel okay about it if it weren't for the two-year sentence. It's so hard to "keep my eyes on the prize" when I know it will be 2016 before I'll be able to have normal teeth again.

And, sirwired, yes I certainly wish my orthodontist had recommended that I wear the retainers for life. I would definitely rather still be in retainers at night than have to go through all of this again as an adult. He's planning on giving me permanent retainers for top and bottom once this is over, so I feel confident that this will at least be the last time haha

[bmueller]

Extractions can work when it's solving the correct problem. Do you have crowding? Are your jaws the correct size? If not, then extractions are not for you. Mine was a jaw discrepancy that my childhood ortho tried to fix by pulling the premolars... and then he realized my jaw discrepancy was bigger than the premolars could fix. It left me still with an overbite, misaligned molars, an open bite and a sunken face. Fast forward to my 20s and I ended up having jaw surgery to "fix" whatever could be fixed.

I would confirm from a few consultations that this is the right treatment for your particular problem, especially if you're dealing with tmj. My molars will never line up "normal" because of my removed teeth. Make sure your expectations meet your possible outcomes.

Don't want to be a downer, but I also don't want to hear you 2 years from now regretting the whole thing.

[zdenka]

I had premolar extractions done when I was about 11 (20+ years ago). Unfortunately I was left with Hayley type retainer which never fixed my problems. So I finally got braces at the age of 33. As far as the extractions go, I have no regrets. I don't think my teeth would have every fit my mouth otherwise.

[amm531]

Thanks for all the encouragement. I guess I'll just have to trust my orthodontist on the extractions :/

[Bikerchick85]

Hello! I'm 28 and in my THIRD round of braces.. this time WITH extractions. I had braces when I was kid as part of a 2 phase treatment but never got the 2nd phase. Got braces at 21 and then went through a divorce and had to discontinue treatment after only a few months. I have never finished a treatment plan. I had a protrusive profile and moderate to severe crowding so extractions were my only option. I can tell you that I DO NOT regret this decision one bit! I can now close my mouth and lips without strain and my profile looks 100% better! I did not have room for all of my teeth. (I also had 4 wisdom teeth removed at age 19 so I have 24 teeth now). I had days in the beginning where I was nervous about my decision but am so thankful I had extractions now.
It is true they are not for everyone. Kids should NEVER have extractions for orthodontic treatment. Most of the people I've seen who had negative results from extractions did not have crowding and were not protrusive. You also don't want to retract everything backwards. I told my ortho when I was finished with retracting my front teeth and then she starting bringing the back teeth forward to meet them. She gave me full control over my progress.
I read your earlier post where you spoke of not being able to view pictures yet. Email the administrator, Lynn about that problem. Once you're able to view pics check out my story! GOOD LUCK!

[amm531]

Thanks Bikerchick85, that's very encouraging. I emailed Lynn, and am looking forward to reading your story with pics!

[amm531]

Thought I'd go ahead and post an update. Tomorrow is my 50th day (7 weeks) in braces. I've seen so many people on here write that they can't believe how much time flies right after you get your braces on and I can't say that I relate at all. I feel like it has been forever and it doesn't seem possible that it hasn't even been two months yet.

Generally, in comparison to my first time in braces, I do feel like the pain is worse as an adult. I hardly remember my braces bothering me whatsoever after the first week when I had them in middle school. I don't even remember being sore or needing Tylenol after adjustments. This time around, however, my teeth have been sore almost constantly. I haven't been able to bite into anything since getting them on and am missing deli sandwiches SO bad.

I did decide to go through with the premolar extractions, because everyone I talked to about it recommended that I trust my orthodontist and dentist that it's the best way to get the results I want. I haven't noticed any detrimental changes (aside from the awful gaps in my smile, of course) so far, but I'm not sure when that would come. The actual extraction experience wasn't bad at all, I did decide to be put to sleep for the procedure, since it wasn't an experience I really wanted to be present for, and I'm so glad I did. I was not looking forward to feeling all the pressure and I feel like I would have been anxious through the whole thing. The post-extraction experience and eating was much worse for me. I had pain and soreness through the night for about a week, and was TERRIFIED of getting anything stuck in the extraction holes. I didn't eat anything but cottage cheese, jello and soup for about 7 days.

Since the extractions (which happened on Day 13), I've had two adjustments. The first adjustment, nothing really changed, but on the second adjustment I got heavier wires on the top and bottom, powerchains on the top and started elastics. My orthodontist has been really awesome and has me coming in every 3-4 weeks instead of every 5-6 in an effort to get everything done as quickly as we can.

On the most positive note, I am thrilled with the progress I have seen since the beginning. Nearly everything I hated about my teeth is gone now. In the picture below, the top shows my teeth on Day 3 (apologies for the grainy photo) and the bottom shows them on Day 44 (the day I got the powerchains and rubber bands)



As far as I can see, everything is about 90-95% straight... just have to close these awful extraction gaps. I don't have a comparison picture because that's the first picture I took of the gaps (taken this morning, Day 49)



In regard to the confidence issues I discussed in my first post. I can't say I'm doing any better than I imagined I would be. Some days are better than others, but on my bad days I'm just so angry and frustrated that I have to do this in my 20's, and I feel very alone. I work at a big company (about 250 people- lots of young people in their 20's and 30's) and no one here has braces and I never see anyone out at the bars who has braces, and I just feel like I stick out like a sore thumb. I really want to feel confident despite what my mouth looks like but I just can't help feeling like a 14-year-old. It's often hard to get dressed up and go out with my friends, so I've been staying in with my boyfriend a lot. I'm aware of my braces ALL the time, so when I talk to people I feel so self conscious. I'm really hoping in the next couple of weeks I can make some progress and just accept how I look now and feel confident again. Until then, keep the words of encouragement coming, it really helps.

So that's 50 days down and ~680 days to go!

[Bikerchick85]

Wow!! Your teeth and smile are BEAUTIFUL!!! You've made great progress!! Don't feel so down on the timeframe. It takes a while to close those gaps. I'm 14 months into treatment and my gaps are closed except for one is about a half of a mm open. One reason it took mine so long to close is I wanted my ortho to start moving my back teeth forward when I was happy with my profile changes.
The feelings you are having are normal for only 7 weeks in. It was probably around month 5 for me when it really started to go by quickly and now I can't believe I'm 14 months in.
You will be so thrilled when you're finished with treatment!!!

[DaisySmith]

Hi amm531 - I have to say, your teeth look amazing already! When you're done you'll be so glad you did this. My only advice to you would be 'embrace your braces.' You would be surprised the amount of people who think braces are cool/sexy/chic. The more you look like you really OWN them, the more appealing you will make them seem. You might even inspire other people around you to get braces.

I would practise doing big, open mouthed smiles at people. You have these things on for a long time so you may as well let people believe you totally LOVE them, and in turn people will believe if you are confident with them, then they must be fine. I felt conscious at first. Now I smile broadly all the time and I am 42 and completely rocking this geek chic braces thing. If I can do it, I am sure you can with your beautiful, young gnashers! Good luck X

[sara2280]

Amm531,
I can totally relate on almost everything except the extraction gaps. I had braces as a kid in middle school for 3 years. Wore elastics (not very well) to correct my open bite but never the real cause of my open bite. Wore my retainer for a time until it no longer fit.

Fast forward to the present, as the years have gone by my teeth stayed pretty straight overall except my open bite returned and I now have a cross bite in the back. When I went for my regular check up with my dentist back in November she too told me I was not a good candidate for Invisalign and referred me to an orthodontist because I am excessively wearing my back teeth down. So the pros definitely out weighed the cons and I have decided to have it fixed. I got my braces on mid-January and still find myself being a bit self conscious. I am 33 years old and in the process of going on job interviews. I definitely have to hand it to kids because I don't remember having this much discomfort a a kid and being this self conscious. I also didn't have a lisp the first time around and this time there are still words that I struggle to say.

Everyday I try to have an attitude like I don't have them or try to not notice they are there but then I do, especially when I have to go brush my teeth every time after I eat, go to drink my coffee through a straw so my ligs don't stain, or replace my elastics. It sucks but it's temporary. This is just a Brie moment in your life. I too have no friends with braces, just their kids. Do it's always great to know when I share the same ortho as a 9 year old. It's funny but again it's temporary. So who cares! You are beautiful and that will last! I need to also remind myself of this. So thank you for sharing this. It has helped me immensely!

Great pics and progress! Hope to hear more from you!

[amm531]

Thanks everyone! It's really amazing how much words of encouragement (especially from other people who are going through this as well) can really help give me a more positive attitude. Bikerchick, Daisy and Sara: you all truly brightened my day.

Sara- it's crazy how much in your post I can directly relate to. I get so embarrassed when I have to brush my teeth and replace my elastics after eating anything at work! It shouldn't be a big deal, but it's mortifying when someone walks in the restroom when I'm in the middle of my "routine". I also totally relate to the part about having to hand it to kids, I say all the time that we should cut the middle schoolers some slack because orthodontia can be truly torturous!

Maybe I'm just bitter, but I feel like it's so insensitive when people try and relate to what I'm going through because they "had braces when they were younger". Braces as a kid or a preteen is just a normal part of life, as an adult it's a totally different and isolating experience. Like I can't get over feeling like I'm always the only adult patient in my orthodontist's office. I hate sitting in the waiting room, because at my ortho's office they have a separate waiting room for parents and one for patients with several TV's playing children's shows and gaming consoles. I'm sure the ortho's typical clientele loves and appreciates this, but for me it's so awkward sharing the one couch with a bunch of 7-14 year old kids. I have yet to encounter another adult patient in the waiting room. Just adds to my feeling very alone and like I just stick out like a sore thumb--even around other people in braces.

Gah I didn't intend for this to turn into another negative rant. I really don't want to sound whiny and pessimistic because I really do want this for myself. I have spent so long feeling self conscious about and hating my smile that thinking about having nice teeth when all of this is over makes me want to cry out of happiness and relief. I remember reading someone on here write about how great and confident she felt post-treatment, not only because of her perfect teeth, but because she actually went through with it. Because this definitely isn't easy. It's painful and it can make eating and dental hygiene difficult. On top of all of that it's embarrassing and isolating. I think when this is done I will feel so proud of myself for having the strength and confidence to take something about myself that I don't like and actually do something about it. Even if it's as daunting and terrible as adult braces.

Anyway, thanks again for your kind words! It REALLY helps!

[Bikerchick85]

I was envious of others who had orthodontic treatment in jr high and high school when I first started this round of treatment. But when I look at these classmates pictures on social media now, there teeth have mostly relapsed. Some don't even look like they had ever had braces. That makes me happy that I am doing this now and that I'm old enough and responsible enough to wear my retainers like I'm supposed to.
There is a positive aspect of rocking the metal mouth at 27!!