Soon-To-Be-Braced Newbie, Would Love Advice (Pictures)
Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 3:03 am
Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for almost a year, and I want to thank you guys -- reading your posts has given me the courage to finally get "em-braced!" I just turned 24, and I am now financially secure enough to get braces. If y'alls don't mind, I'd like to ask for some (non-legally-binding!) advice. And I brought pictures!
Front view, open wiiiiiide!
I have a gummy smile, but that doesn't bother me too much -- at least, it doesn't bother me enough to get surgery for it! My real problem is an overjet (I'm not sure what MM), and bad lip incompetence. When I'm not talking and I don't make a conscious effort to close my mouth, my mouth just kinda hangs open. I can only keep my mouth closed for a few minutes at a time, and I've always been terribly self-conscious about it.
Side view
I went to an orthodontist recommended by my dentist. I was terrified that he would say multiple surgeries were my only answer, but he says that by 1) extracting four teeth 2) wearing headgear 3) braces for two years, it should move my top teeth and bottom teeth back enough so that I can close my mouth normally, mostly fix the overjet and fix the crookedness and crowding. He can't fix the gumminess without surgery (but I knew that).
Top teeth
He said surgery would fix the problems totally, but that we could get a good result without. I was really pleased! He gave me a total estimate of $5,000 for ceramic uppers and lowers, with an $800 down payment and 24 small installments. I told him I would think about it, and made a date to agree to the contracts and take records on Oct. 25. I also have appointments with a few other orthodontists, for more opinions, lined up for October.
Here are my questions:
1) With the condition of my teeth, does this seem like a practical course of action? I've already had my four wisdoms out. Since my upper jaw doesn't seem to be going anywhere, how can headgear, braces, and extractions (2 top, 2 bottom) push those awful upper teeth back without just tilting them in or creating a gap? I mean, the jawbone's not moving. I've read all of the excellent "Braces Basics" articles and am still not clear.
2) Will this is any way, shape or form make my teeth gummier? I can live with their current gumminess, but I don't want anymore!
3) How will this change my face? Will it look "sunken in" or "caved in" afterwards? I wouldn't want to look like a stranger!
I should have asked him these questions, and will ask the other doctors when I see them, but I was so excited about the idea of getting my teeth fixed that I plumb forgot.
Bottom Teeth
One last question -- how can I be sure my dentist is reputable? I'm new in the area, so I don't know any adults with braces to ask their opinions. All I'm going on is my dentist's recommendation. And I don't want to end up with a bad ortho. Any suggestions?
Again, thank you – I would never have made this decision if I hadn’t read about this site in a newspaper article. Thanks!
PS: Excuse bad pictures, my camera was misbehaving!
Front view, open wiiiiiide!
I have a gummy smile, but that doesn't bother me too much -- at least, it doesn't bother me enough to get surgery for it! My real problem is an overjet (I'm not sure what MM), and bad lip incompetence. When I'm not talking and I don't make a conscious effort to close my mouth, my mouth just kinda hangs open. I can only keep my mouth closed for a few minutes at a time, and I've always been terribly self-conscious about it.
Side view
I went to an orthodontist recommended by my dentist. I was terrified that he would say multiple surgeries were my only answer, but he says that by 1) extracting four teeth 2) wearing headgear 3) braces for two years, it should move my top teeth and bottom teeth back enough so that I can close my mouth normally, mostly fix the overjet and fix the crookedness and crowding. He can't fix the gumminess without surgery (but I knew that).
Top teeth
He said surgery would fix the problems totally, but that we could get a good result without. I was really pleased! He gave me a total estimate of $5,000 for ceramic uppers and lowers, with an $800 down payment and 24 small installments. I told him I would think about it, and made a date to agree to the contracts and take records on Oct. 25. I also have appointments with a few other orthodontists, for more opinions, lined up for October.
Here are my questions:
1) With the condition of my teeth, does this seem like a practical course of action? I've already had my four wisdoms out. Since my upper jaw doesn't seem to be going anywhere, how can headgear, braces, and extractions (2 top, 2 bottom) push those awful upper teeth back without just tilting them in or creating a gap? I mean, the jawbone's not moving. I've read all of the excellent "Braces Basics" articles and am still not clear.
2) Will this is any way, shape or form make my teeth gummier? I can live with their current gumminess, but I don't want anymore!
3) How will this change my face? Will it look "sunken in" or "caved in" afterwards? I wouldn't want to look like a stranger!
I should have asked him these questions, and will ask the other doctors when I see them, but I was so excited about the idea of getting my teeth fixed that I plumb forgot.
Bottom Teeth
One last question -- how can I be sure my dentist is reputable? I'm new in the area, so I don't know any adults with braces to ask their opinions. All I'm going on is my dentist's recommendation. And I don't want to end up with a bad ortho. Any suggestions?
Again, thank you – I would never have made this decision if I hadn’t read about this site in a newspaper article. Thanks!
PS: Excuse bad pictures, my camera was misbehaving!