6 Month Progress - For those thinking about it ... Do it!

[loradora]

You're making great progress. I'm also middle-aged with a small jaw and had a lower front tooth removed. Interesting that they did it a few weeks after you were braced. I had mine removed prior to bracing.

[busy bee]

Wow, your teeth look amazing! I had extractions too and I love them. My gaps haven't closed as quickly as yours but they're nearly there. Great progress!

[kathydell]

Loradora - My ortho actually prefers it that way when it makes sense and the tooth can easily be extracted with the braces on. She bracketed & wired everything else but left the wire just sitting over that tooth with no bracket so it would be an easy pull and no question about which tooth to yank. There was some probability that the oral surgeon would have to remove the wire and the ortho replace it a couple of days later but he was able to easily get it out without causing disruption. She likes to have the braces start working in that area immediately if possible. I had some scheduling issues waiting quite a while for an appointment with the oral surgeon & coordinating a business trip. I am also trying to get the braces finished before a wedding date in fall 2014, so we went for it. All in all, it worked out really well and it was worth waiting for the recommended oral surgeon because he had the exact same issues, extraction and braces.

[Anna5]

What a great progress, amazing!!!!!

[Lorianne]

OMG, what beautiful results and you're not even done yet! Way to go! Are you getting married in '14? If so, you'll be a beautiful bride!

[Marigold]

What beautiful results already! Great pics documenting the progress too.

[Timetoshine]

Awesome! I'm 6 months in too (just posted some pics up too). I too would jump at telling anyone YES, do it, it's SO worth it!!! Love your progress pics!!

[thisgal201]

Looking good!!

[crocodile]

that is great progress! Did it hurt?

[Dana6]

I can't see pics. I'm a new member and I'm guessing that's why. I'm 49 and really hesitant about getting braces at this age. I think seeing before and process pics would really help. Does anyone here regret their decision?

[Anna5]

Hello Dana!

You cannot see pictures because you are a new member. I think you need to make 7 posts first en then you can see al the pictures! (the colour of your username turns from red into green then).
I understand your hesitance to get braces, but I think you won't regret it!
Good luck with your decision!

[Anneka1536]

Hi everyone on this post - I'm 47 and my ortho has given me two options - and I prefer the shorter one where he takes one of my lower incisors out (where I have more crowding). He does have some reservations about it and seems to be trying to push me to have 4 premolars out (top and bottom) so he can do the 'full works' as he says. I never went into braces wanting to do this - my teeth don't have to be perfect - I just wanted them straightened, as I have crowding on bottom, a crossbite (wider lower jaw than upper) and had a buck tooth on uppers, now straightening with braces. I have to decide now as had braces on uppers nearly 3 months. Next step is extraction and lower braces.

Are you happy with results of just one lower extraction?

Many thanks

Anna

[kathydell]

Hi Anna - I am very happy with the results so far having the one incisor extracted. I was really cautious given it's right in front and I had a 4-6 mm overbite to begin with. But with having the braces on before the extraction and being diligent about wearing my elastics (which started on adjustment 3!), I've had really good results. It's definitely not for everyone though so ask a lot of questions. Here's a current pic

[Matilda]

Amazing progress, kathydell.

[Anna5]

Great progress, Kathydell!
How long do you still need to be in braces? Your teeth look so beautiful already!!

I was wondering, do you also have a little bit of a crossbite (like I have)? How does your ortho fix this?