First impressions of ceramic braces?

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#1 Post by **Sparrow76** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:42 pm

Hello everyone,

I am going to be getting braces next Friday; ceramics on top, with metal on the bottom in a few months. I am curious/apprehensive about my initial reaction to ceramic braces. Could any of you share your stories about how you felt right after they were placed? Did it make your mouth look "full"? Just how unobtrusive are they? And how long did it take you to get used to them?

A little advance warning will really help!

Thanks.

#2 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:24 pm

I have those clear ceramic ones which look very much like the Inspire Ice ones. Even though they were clear, they looked and felt huge. Most people could not tell that I was wearing braces. I was very aware that these things were in my mouth and the most shocking thing was to see the crazy bends and curves in that archwire. Not a pretty sight until things begin to straighten out.

#3 Post by **minnie2** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:42 pm

I have ceramic on top... and i like this! it's very nice! After a few weeks, it was a part of me! I had no pain, nothing! I love my "braces" smile!

Now, i have metal on the bottom!!!! really, it's different but after a few week , my life will be better.. i hope! Now , my mouth is full, i have a strange feeling...but still without pain!

After 3 months, i had a very nice smile! After, we have to be patient.. but patient with a beautiful smile! it's easier!

Good luck! it's a positive journey
take care

Minnie

#4 Post by **platinum** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:46 pm

I got my lower metals first. I did not like the look of them. I got my upper ceramics one month ago, and they look much better! Ceramic brackets are bigger, but they smoother. I have had clear and smoke ligs, they discolored within two days. Now I have silver ones, and they seem to stand coffee better

#5 Post by **Sparrow76** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 3:07 pm

Thanks for the feedback!

Platinum, a follow-up question: are the metal braces on your lower teeth visible during regular activity? Perhaps since they are smaller, they don't push out the bottom lip as much, so they're less noticeable?

#6 Post by **Sparrow76** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:09 pm

Thanks, KK! That really helps explain things. It's hard to tell what people mean when they say "bigger"!

The first type I got were the best, as the brackets arc back towards the tooth, making them even more comfortable. The second type ... one bracket only ... has a smaller footprint, but doesn't arc back, although still comfortable ... not as much as the first.

Also, just wondering which type of ceramics you described I'll be getting -- my ortho uses ICE brackets. Are they considered good? Are they the first or the second type you described?

#7 Post by **platinum** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:42 pm

Platinum, a follow-up question: are the metal braces on your lower teeth visible during regular activity? Perhaps since they are smaller, they don't push out the bottom lip as much, so they're less noticeable?

Mine are visible:(. One can see my bottom teeth when I speak.

#8 Post by **SarahLu** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:08 am

Hi Sparrow,

I got fitted with ceramic uppers and metal lowers last Thursday. My mouth is still sore but im slowly getting used to them. The ceramics are larger than the metal but more comfortable as they cover more area on each tooth so the pressure is spread out over a larger area. Other than that ive not experienced much difference between the two. I also have a nance appliance which is causing me trouble with eating and speech, but if it was just the braces alone i think it would be just fine.

Good luck!