Metal Mouth Message Board

Ugh, I have spent an entire 34 years (almost 35!) with the worst teeth ever! Okay, maybe not the worst, but in my world, it sure felt like it. As a professional Recruiter that deals with people pretty much every minute of my day, my teeth have always been a concern for me. They have been all over the place for so long, I have learned to talk and smile with my mouth closed, without even thinking about it.

I have wanted braces as long as I can remember. I thought that I was finally in the position to do it a few years ago, and scheduled a consultation with one of the best ortho's in my city, who I loved! But, I was scared off by the money, I despise being in debt. So as I always do with things that are all about me, I put it on the back burner.

Earlier this year, I decided to, for once, make my life all about me. In March, I had weight loss surgery. Now, down 80 lbs., I decided it was time to work on my teeth. I refuse to give up food and be healthy for once in my life, but still worry about my teeth. No way!

I was forced into action by the fact that my insurance is changing in 2009, and I will lose a $1500 orthodontic benefit. Hey, I am all about my money, and $1500 will definitely make me move! So a few weeks ago, I decided to take the plunge.

I had to have a root planing (ugh) and three extractions (way bigger ugh, I am highly dentist-phobic). The extractions were last Tuesday, one in the front on my lowers and two on the top, two back from my pointy teeth (please excuse my technical ignorance).

Today, the braces were installed. I am pretty sure that my poor violated mouth is going to spontaneously decide to quit and let my teeth just fall out, less pain that way, lol! I am doing pretty well, but I now have hamburger meat for cheeks. I have attached a pic below, please forgive my shoddy photography, I totally feel like I can not stretch my lips over all of the hardware!

Ummm, ok, maybe I am not attaching a pic, as I can not seem to figure out how, lol. Nice to meet you all, I have been lurking for weeks, learning all that I can. I appreciate everyone's info, it has made a world of difference to me.

Good for you and Congratulations!:jump:

Theres a post on the " How Do I...?" section about posting pictures, that should help.

How are you doing with the braces? I saw your post. I also had WLS and was banded back in 9/07 and Iam down almost 70 lbs. I had braces years ago and now because of sleep apnea and that is about gone with the wls, I wear a herbest retainer because I was having problems with CPAP.

Sure is a small world. I was born in Columbus and raised in Cincinnati and then went to CTI in Columbus for 2 years. If you have any questions or wish to chat e-mail me. Who is your ortho in Columbus?

Chris
250/242/231/170

Thanks for the welcome u2. I have been braced a full week now, and it is getting better. The day after being braced, I was in complete and total agony!!!!! Despite the fact that my mouth is no longer my mouth, I am getting along fine. My bite is totally off, and the puzzle pieces that used to be my teeth are rearranging themselves daily, and I just do not know what to expect everytime I bite down! That is okay though, an off bite means that things are moving, and I am totally okay with things getting worse as they get better.

And thanks ton to MeganII for guiding me to the How To posts, I was lost on the pic posting. I have been toying with pics the last few days, and can't seem to resize them, so forgive that please. I am still surprised that I am posting them, but we are all in the same boat here, so it is what it is. So without further delay, here goes:

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I have severe crowding on the bottom. I also have a right lateral incisor that is so far back, you can't even see it in my pic. After a space is made, it will be braced and moved forward. I have also had my 2nd premolars extracted on both sides on the top, and a central incisor extracted on the bottom, which you can see in the picture.

Oh, and my doc is Dr. Berkowitz. Thanks you guys for all of your informative and supportive posts! I have been reading non stop for weeks, I am back to posts from 2005! But almost all questions that I have had, have been asked before, and answered with compassion and knowledge. I hope that I can give back even just a little of what I have been given. Thanks guys!

Thanks for the welcome u2. I have been braced a full week now, and it is getting better. The day after being braced, I was in complete and total agony!!!!! Despite the fact that my mouth is no longer my mouth, I am getting along fine. My bite is totally off, and the puzzle pieces that used to be my teeth are rearranging themselves daily, and I just do not know what to expect everytime I bite down! That is okay though, an off bite means that things are moving, and I am totally okay with things getting worse as they get better.

And thanks ton to MeganII for guiding me to the How To posts, I was lost on the pic posting. I have been toying with pics the last few days, and can't seem to resize them, so forgive that please. I am still surprised that I am posting them, but we are all in the same boat here, so it is what it is. So without further delay, here goes:

[/img]

I have severe crowding on the bottom. I also have a right lateral incisor that is so far back, you can't even see it in my pic. After a space is made, it will be braced and moved forward. I have also had my 2nd premolars extracted on both sides on the top, and a central incisor extracted on the bottom, which you can see in the picture.

Oh, and my doc is Dr. Berkowitz. Thanks you guys for all of your informative and supportive posts! I have been reading non stop for weeks, I am back to posts from 2005! But almost all questions that I have had, have been asked before, and answered with compassion and knowledge. I hope that I can give back even just a little of what I have been given. Thanks guys!

Thanks for the welcome u2. I have been braced a full week now, and it is getting better. The day after being braced, I was in complete and total agony!!!!! Despite the fact that my mouth is no longer my mouth, I am getting along fine. My bite is totally off, and the puzzle pieces that used to be my teeth are rearranging themselves daily, and I just do not know what to expect everytime I bite down! That is okay though, an off bite means that things are moving, and I am totally okay with things getting worse as they get better.

And thanks ton to MeganII for guiding me to the How To posts, I was lost on the pic posting. I have been toying with pics the last few days, and can't seem to resize them, so forgive that please. I am still surprised that I am posting them, but we are all in the same boat here, so it is what it is. So without further delay, here goes:

[/img]

I have severe crowding on the bottom. I also have a right lateral incisor that is so far back, you can't even see it in my pic. After a space is made, it will be braced and moved forward. I have also had my 2nd premolars extracted on both sides on the top, and a central incisor extracted on the bottom, which you can see in the picture.

Oh, and my doc is Dr. Berkowitz. Thanks you guys for all of your informative and supportive posts! I have been reading non stop for weeks, I am back to posts from 2005! But almost all questions that I have had, have been asked before, and answered with compassion and knowledge. I hope that I can give back even just a little of what I have been given. Thanks guys!

Hi Snaggle Tooth,

good to have you onboard There are plenty of people like you (and me) who decided in a more mature age FINALLY to take the step and do sth about it in stead of just thinking about one's teeth issues.

Good luck and enjoy the ride. Within a short time you'll start to see some dramatic changes!

Danish

Hi Snaggle Tooth,

good to have you onboard There are plenty of people like you (and me) who decided in a more mature age FINALLY to take the step and do sth about it in stead of just thinking about one's teeth issues.

Good luck and enjoy the ride. Within a short time you'll start to see some dramatic changes!

Danish

Welcome!! I am 32 and got braced for the 2nd time in my life last July. I, too, am a recruiter so I 100% understand. I promsie you, no one cares!! I was so afraid of what people would think, esp my candidates. The only time anyone ever mentions it is when I mention it first... or when they tell me they need to do the same!

And the only time I get the least bit self-conscious is when I can't say words with "s" in them. It just creeps up on me from time to time... lol! But everyone has been so supportive, especially this group!

You've come to the right place!! Keep us updated on your progress!