Howdy, new here, couple questions...

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#1 Post by **Kat** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:39 pm

Hi, I just had my tops installed 9 days ago and just found this site. It really is cool!
I am 44 years old and finally decides to take the plunge.

I did a search here but I guess I'd like the majority on just a couple things.

I have the clear braces on top and in a couple months will need the lowers. My ortho says I can stay with the metal ones (clear she charges $500 per tops and $500 for the bottoms.) She says most people go this way. Says people won't see them much. Is this true??? Anyone have any pics wearing clear tops and metal bottoms? These things are like razor blade needles!!! So sharp against the inner lips.

Also on the sonic brushes, It's going to be between the sonicare and the sonic complete. Ya know, the sonicare claims to remove more plauqe then the complete and the complete claims to make your teeth 25% whiter over the sonic complete.
Do these brushes knock brackets off?

Sure I'll have a million more questions. Thanks in advance!

#2 Post by **lionfish** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 5:17 pm

Howdy, kat.

Deciding between metal and ceramics is a bit of a personal call. It depends on how much of your lower teeth you show as to which way you want to go. I went with ceramics on my bottom teeth. A few people have noticed them, but only at close range (up to a metre or two away).

There are several people here who have ceramic uppers and metal lowers and they look quite nice, especially when dressed up with coloured ligs. I'm way too introverted to do that, still doing the clear variety, hang the staining factor.

I can't help you with electric toothbrushes, am a manual brusher myself.

#3 Post by **Wyo_Stacy** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 5:19 pm

I have full metal on top and bottom so I can't help you with the pictures but you can check out the main page and see pictures of others. http://www.archwired.com/photos.htm This will take you to Lynn's photos of the ceramic/metal combination. There have been a lot of people that go with this and are happy. It would not have helped much for me because when I talk my bottom teeth show more. Others have also said that the metal brackets are smaller and not as bulky so they don't hurt your cheeks as much.
Hope this helps and welcome to the club.

#4 Post by **Leslie022** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:37 pm

I've had my braces for 7 1/2 months and people still don't realize I have brackets on bottom. I don't have ceramics but I do have Damon 3's. They are mostly metal. I would go with your ortho's suggestion because people probably won't even notice them.

I have a sonicare tooth brush and I love it...