After I got my braces, many people were shocked. They told me that I didn't need them, my teeth were fine, I was wasting money...but what they did not know, because they could not see it, was that my bite was all wrong.AndrewM wrote: I can relate;I've agonized over the decision myself (and still haven't seen anyone). In my case, I've always been embarrassed to let my teeth show, but I'm not sure whether I really "need" braces in absolute terms (my bite isn't horribly misaligned and while my top teeth are somewhat irregularly spaced, I suspect they're really not that bad compared to many people's). Anyway, I'm uncomfortable with the notion that treatment may be unnecessary, frivolous, vain, etc., and I envision an orthodontist laughing me out of his/her office...
Most of us think "oh, they don't look so bad.." but what we don't know, are the complications that can occur in the future if the orthodontic route is not taken, when it is needed. That is why it is very important to go in for a consultation. If you do not go now, are you willing to risk what can happen in the future? And many times, consultations are free!
When my ortho told me with my cross bite, if it isn't taken care of, I might face major dental expenses in the future because my teeth can wear down, that was all I needed to hear. Then the phrase, TMJ came out of his mouth. I have suffered with migraines for many years, all do to the fact that my teeth do not sit properly, but I did not know this. Within a month or two of getting braces, the migraines were gone!
I can not stress this enough---braces are not that big of a deal! Don't be afraid, embarrased, scared...whatever. The initial shock of having braces is hard to deal with but within two weeks of getting them, you will have wished you'd done this sooner. I promise you that! And, no one cares if you have braces! If anything, I think most people I come into contact with are a bit jealous. My friends and co-workers are constantly telling me how great my teeth look and then they mention how they "wished they had gotten braces."
I am 33 years old. I have had my braces for almost a year. I did not need braces as a teen, when I was in my early 20's, I was hit in the face and over time, my front teeth started to shift. I also apparently, have never had any "bite" whatsoever. I have never had a dentist tell me this until about 4 years ago.
The only reason why I waited to get braces was because, like all of you, I was nervous and I felt that if I got braces, it would make me look vain. I didn't care that my front teeth weren't perfectly straight, they were cute. I also did not know that I had a crossbite. I went for my first consultation 4 years ago and they wanted to do surgery to separate my upper arch blah blah blah. Well, the cost was crazy- $13-14,000! I worked part time, I was in college and there was no way I could pay for this.
So about a year and a half ago, my new dentist said, "Did you realize you have no bite? How do you eat?" I didn't know that my teeth were supposed to touch....he recommened I go to an ortho. I scheduled my first appointment, then canceled it. Then rescheduled it.
At my consultation, Howard, my ortho, told me I did not need surgery that he could accomplish great results without it. He also asked how I eat since I have no bite. I said, "Well, obviously, I don't have a problem eating." By the way, I have lost 20lbs since getting braces- another perk!
The office went over the treatment plans, I went with ceramic on top, metal on bottom, (luckily, this time, I had graduated college, working full time...I can afford it!).
I scheduled my brace day appointment for a whole month after making the decision to get braces. I wanted to be sure I wanted this, do some more research etc.
I could not have been happier! This is the best thing I have ever done!
Like I mentioned earlier, the shock of having braces lasted about 2 weeks but after that, it has been smooth sailing.
I have always been a happy, personsable person who likes to laugh and smile. But having braces, has only made me happier and it really shows. No one really know the impact on what braces has on one, unless you have/had braces. It really is life changing.
So Andrew and Julie- just make an appointment for a consultation- You will not regret it.
The only thing I regret, is sending in my monthly payment!
