Hello Everyone!!!!!
Well I’m new to this & this is actually the very first time I ever post or blog about my journey to a beautiful smile!
For the past few weeks I have been reading many blogs on here & they all amaze me! I really enjoy reading them and seeing the beautiful smile pictures on here! It really encourages me to get over my phobia of dentist & going thru getting braces…Yeiii..!!!!!!
When I was about 14 yrs old I was told that I would need braces to correct my smile. My parent couldn’t afford it since my dad was the only one working & my mom has always been a stay at home wife with 4 kids. So I knew I wasn’t going to get them & I understood why... I remember when I was in middle school I would be teased by some bullies because I had crocked teeth. Let me tell you kids are so cruel. I would sometimes cry myself to sleep because of them. But I never once told my parents about it & till this day they have no idea... I never wanted to worry them so I just kept quite…
I have now been married to a wonderful man for over 5 years & I have not been able to smile at him because I’m so embarrassed of my smile. I always cover my mouth to laugh & a smile is always a half smile. Even in our wedding pictures I didn’t smile even thou it was the happiest day of my life & the beginning of a beautiful journey. He always tells me that I’m beautiful regardless if I smile or not.
This weekend I told my hubby of all the post that I was reading & I told him that I finally got the courage to finally go thru getting braces on. He looked at me & said that he was behind me 100% of the way & that he couldn’t wait to see me smile at him…
This morning once I came into work I called the dentist & scheduled an appt to my first step on getting braces.
Anyone out there that would like to share there first visit to the dentist or what should I expect on this visit. Please feel free to comment.
Thanks!!!!!!
COURAGE!
Moderator: bbsadmin
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CakeLady21
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:56 am
- Location: Houston, TX
COURAGE!
Thanks for reading my post!
CakeLady21
CakeLady21
Hello CakeLady21 --
I did a lot of nodding in recognition to your post...
I normally post under "the bracket club" here but I decided to see what was happening in this forum and your post title caught my eye. I felt the exact same way about my smile -- hated it! And it took me a lot of courage to get to the orthodontist for my initial consultation.
My parents could not afford braces for me either, so here I am in my 40's and I finally mustered up the courage (and $$) to do it. I was apprehensive about the pain so I waited almost a year before finally having my braces placed
but I took the plunge -- I'm so excited to be on my way to liking my smile -- I know you will be too. I want to wish you well on your consult!
I did a lot of nodding in recognition to your post...
I normally post under "the bracket club" here but I decided to see what was happening in this forum and your post title caught my eye. I felt the exact same way about my smile -- hated it! And it took me a lot of courage to get to the orthodontist for my initial consultation.
My parents could not afford braces for me either, so here I am in my 40's and I finally mustered up the courage (and $$) to do it. I was apprehensive about the pain so I waited almost a year before finally having my braces placed
but I took the plunge -- I'm so excited to be on my way to liking my smile -- I know you will be too. I want to wish you well on your consult!Welcome, Cakelady1!
You will not regret starting this journey. Yes, the braces will be a pain in the butt sometimes, and yes, you will probably want to rip them out of your mouth at times, but once you start seeing movement (and improvement), it will all be worth it. I'm so glad you have your husband's support. It's sad that you've never really been able to smile at him. Once this is over... you won't want to stop smiling!
My first visit story:
I didn't actually consult with my dentist prior to deciding to get braces; I made up my mind on my own, and called my dentist's office to get a referral, and they gave me the names of two orthodontists they refer patients to (both happen to be on the same floor, same side of the hallway, as my dentist).
At my meeting with the first orthodontist, he examined my teeth, and basically told me that I would need fixed braces for about 2-3 years and a minimum of 1--and possibly 2--extractions. I inquired about ceramic braces, and he acted like they were the plague. He told me they would break easily; weren't as strong as the metal; would take longer to do their job; and I would have to deal with staining ligatures (the rubber bands that go around the brackets). I guess I had my mind set on getting braces ASAP, so I agreed to get the metal brackets. That same day, they went ahead and took molds and pictures of my teeth (grand total: $285). A day or so later, I had second thoughts about going to this doctor. I felt extremely rushed, and didn't like his attitude about the ceramics.
So, I called the second referral and went in that same day. This guy was way more laid back; said he had no problem with giving me ceramics if that's what I wanted. He explained that they are more fragile than the metal, but if I took good care of them, they would be fine. All of my pictures and molds would be included in the treatment cost. He also examined my teeth and said I'd need fixed braces for about 2 years, and only ONE extraction, which I could get done after getting my brackets put on. I just felt more comfortable with him; he was not pushy, like the other guy. And my treatment would be cheaper than the other guy. I decided to go with my second choice of orthodontist.
I called the first office back and asked for my molds and pictures (that I had already paid for), and explained that I was going to another doctor for treatment. They, very nicely, said they would walk them down the hall for me.
I got braced 2 weeks later in April 2010, and it's the best decision I've ever made. For the first time in my entire life - today I see a gap in between my two front teeth, that have always overlapped!!
Good luck to you, and please keep us updated with your story!
-Cathy
You will not regret starting this journey. Yes, the braces will be a pain in the butt sometimes, and yes, you will probably want to rip them out of your mouth at times, but once you start seeing movement (and improvement), it will all be worth it. I'm so glad you have your husband's support. It's sad that you've never really been able to smile at him. Once this is over... you won't want to stop smiling!
My first visit story:
I didn't actually consult with my dentist prior to deciding to get braces; I made up my mind on my own, and called my dentist's office to get a referral, and they gave me the names of two orthodontists they refer patients to (both happen to be on the same floor, same side of the hallway, as my dentist).
At my meeting with the first orthodontist, he examined my teeth, and basically told me that I would need fixed braces for about 2-3 years and a minimum of 1--and possibly 2--extractions. I inquired about ceramic braces, and he acted like they were the plague. He told me they would break easily; weren't as strong as the metal; would take longer to do their job; and I would have to deal with staining ligatures (the rubber bands that go around the brackets). I guess I had my mind set on getting braces ASAP, so I agreed to get the metal brackets. That same day, they went ahead and took molds and pictures of my teeth (grand total: $285). A day or so later, I had second thoughts about going to this doctor. I felt extremely rushed, and didn't like his attitude about the ceramics.
So, I called the second referral and went in that same day. This guy was way more laid back; said he had no problem with giving me ceramics if that's what I wanted. He explained that they are more fragile than the metal, but if I took good care of them, they would be fine. All of my pictures and molds would be included in the treatment cost. He also examined my teeth and said I'd need fixed braces for about 2 years, and only ONE extraction, which I could get done after getting my brackets put on. I just felt more comfortable with him; he was not pushy, like the other guy. And my treatment would be cheaper than the other guy. I decided to go with my second choice of orthodontist.
I called the first office back and asked for my molds and pictures (that I had already paid for), and explained that I was going to another doctor for treatment. They, very nicely, said they would walk them down the hall for me.
I got braced 2 weeks later in April 2010, and it's the best decision I've ever made. For the first time in my entire life - today I see a gap in between my two front teeth, that have always overlapped!!
Good luck to you, and please keep us updated with your story!
-Cathy
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CakeLady21
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:56 am
- Location: Houston, TX
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NervousNewbie
- Posts: 244
- Joined: Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:03 pm
- Contact:
Congratulations on taking the plunge! I am posting because I can relate to everything you say. I also can't smile. I never smile in pictures, or even in person. I can't do it. My consult is 9/8 and it's all I think about all day every day! I am nervous he will tell me that I am not eligible for braces though, but I still spend several nights a week coming and reading (and re-reading!) the posts on this forum. Being an adult who may soon be braced, it is a great source of comfort to me, and I hope you come to find the same comfort! 
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blackapple
- Posts: 172
- Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:18 pm
Welcome to the group here. Everyone is so helpful here and a good source of encouragement for those days you feel you can't stand all the hardware in your mouth or worse with your teeth being really sore. Just keep the end goal in sight which is a beautiful and radiant smile once the braces have done their job and it's time to get them off.
Getting the braces on for me was a piece of cake. I actually feel asleep for a bit as the brackets went on. I remember running my tongue over my teeth and it was the oddest sensation to have stuff attached to my teeth. Those brackets especially the ceramic ones felt huge in my mouth. Wax was my friend for a few days as I didn't like the sensation on my inner lips. For everyone it seems to be different. I remember reading a story on here about someone feeling like they were hit in the teeth with a baseball a day after the braces were put on. All I felt was mild pressure on my teeth initially. Tolerable but definitely an odd feeling. Never even had the feeling of being hit in the teeth with a baseball.
Getting the braces on for me was a piece of cake. I actually feel asleep for a bit as the brackets went on. I remember running my tongue over my teeth and it was the oddest sensation to have stuff attached to my teeth. Those brackets especially the ceramic ones felt huge in my mouth. Wax was my friend for a few days as I didn't like the sensation on my inner lips. For everyone it seems to be different. I remember reading a story on here about someone feeling like they were hit in the teeth with a baseball a day after the braces were put on. All I felt was mild pressure on my teeth initially. Tolerable but definitely an odd feeling. Never even had the feeling of being hit in the teeth with a baseball.
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CakeLady21
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:56 am
- Location: Houston, TX
Re: COURAGE!
Sooooo I haven’t been on here in over 2 years but I finally logged in & wanted to tell you guys that it still amazes me to read all the progress & all of the new posts & members! How exciting!!!!
So I believe my last post was back in 2010, I wrote how I was excited to start the process on getting braced… Well it never happened…. I was laid off in October 2010, so all of my plans were put on hold. My husband was the only income we had coming in to our household & I didn’t want the extra stress & pressure on his shoulders. Even thou he insisted that I continue my Ortho process & he was going to work extra hours, I just couldn’t do that to him or to our son. So I told him it was okay & I will get it done once we had extra income coming in. I’ve always said 2 incomes are better than 1.. Don’t get me wrong I loved being a stay at home mom!! I was able to attend my sons school parties, volunteer & be in the PTO Committee, I LOVED IT!!!!!!
Our financial situation was good but I knew it could have been better if I was employed.
On January 16, 2012 I had an interview & was hired right on the spot & started working that very same day after all the new hire paperwork!! Talk about being SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!
What’s even better is that I work 8 days straight then off for 6 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well now that we had 2 incomes coming in, we started to get a lot of bills out of the way.. What a relief LOL!
Anyway… So after all that, I made an appt with a new dentist. I went in last week & I loved that place.. Everyone was so nice & welcoming. The place was immaculate!! The dentist & orthodontist took the time to explain everything.. They listened to my concerns & answered all of my questions. I felt like they really do care about their patients & want the help them the best way possible. I could say that I was really comfortable..
I had x-rays done, filling & a cleaning.. I will be back on the 11th of this month for a consultation for Invisalign.. Am excited to start my new journey to a beautiful & healthy smile!! I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading my post & hope I hear from you soon..
Well hope you have an Amazing & Blessed week!
Laugh, Love, Live
So I believe my last post was back in 2010, I wrote how I was excited to start the process on getting braced… Well it never happened…. I was laid off in October 2010, so all of my plans were put on hold. My husband was the only income we had coming in to our household & I didn’t want the extra stress & pressure on his shoulders. Even thou he insisted that I continue my Ortho process & he was going to work extra hours, I just couldn’t do that to him or to our son. So I told him it was okay & I will get it done once we had extra income coming in. I’ve always said 2 incomes are better than 1.. Don’t get me wrong I loved being a stay at home mom!! I was able to attend my sons school parties, volunteer & be in the PTO Committee, I LOVED IT!!!!!!
Our financial situation was good but I knew it could have been better if I was employed.
On January 16, 2012 I had an interview & was hired right on the spot & started working that very same day after all the new hire paperwork!! Talk about being SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!
What’s even better is that I work 8 days straight then off for 6 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well now that we had 2 incomes coming in, we started to get a lot of bills out of the way.. What a relief LOL!
Anyway… So after all that, I made an appt with a new dentist. I went in last week & I loved that place.. Everyone was so nice & welcoming. The place was immaculate!! The dentist & orthodontist took the time to explain everything.. They listened to my concerns & answered all of my questions. I felt like they really do care about their patients & want the help them the best way possible. I could say that I was really comfortable..
I had x-rays done, filling & a cleaning.. I will be back on the 11th of this month for a consultation for Invisalign.. Am excited to start my new journey to a beautiful & healthy smile!! I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading my post & hope I hear from you soon..
Well hope you have an Amazing & Blessed week!
Laugh, Love, Live
Thanks for reading my post!
CakeLady21
CakeLady21
Re: COURAGE!
Hi Cake Lady
I can totally relate to you. I was meant to get braces as a teen but developed a severe dental phobia. I got over my phobia nearly 4 years ago after not visiting a dentist for 7 years
I finally plucked up the courage around spring time 2012 that I was going to sort my awful teeth out as I would never talk to anyone whilst I was out etc and it majorly affected my self esteem.
I was going to go Clearstep (UK Invisalign) but decided clear fixed would be a better bet for closing my midline diastema and quicker too.
I have seen amazing progress and should hopefully be debraced next month.
Feel free to check out my progress piccies.
I can totally relate to you. I was meant to get braces as a teen but developed a severe dental phobia. I got over my phobia nearly 4 years ago after not visiting a dentist for 7 years
I finally plucked up the courage around spring time 2012 that I was going to sort my awful teeth out as I would never talk to anyone whilst I was out etc and it majorly affected my self esteem.
I was going to go Clearstep (UK Invisalign) but decided clear fixed would be a better bet for closing my midline diastema and quicker too.
I have seen amazing progress and should hopefully be debraced next month.
Feel free to check out my progress piccies.
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
My braces story: http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42457
Impressions-08/06/12
Big Day-22/06/12
Started using Bite Plate-14/07/12
Estimated treatment-8 months (upper ceramics)
Debond date-04/03/13
Re: COURAGE!
CakeLady21 wrote:Sooooo I haven’t been on here in over 2 years but I finally logged in & wanted to tell you guys that it still amazes me to read all the progress & all of the new posts & members! How exciting!!!!
So I believe my last post was back in 2010, I wrote how I was excited to start the process on getting braced… Well it never happened…. I was laid off in October 2010, so all of my plans were put on hold. My husband was the only income we had coming in to our household & I didn’t want the extra stress & pressure on his shoulders. Even thou he insisted that I continue my Ortho process & he was going to work extra hours, I just couldn’t do that to him or to our son. So I told him it was okay & I will get it done once we had extra income coming in. I’ve always said 2 incomes are better than 1.. Don’t get me wrong I loved being a stay at home mom!! I was able to attend my sons school parties, volunteer & be in the PTO Committee, I LOVED IT!!!!!!
Our financial situation was good but I knew it could have been better if I was employed.
On January 16, 2012 I had an interview & was hired right on the spot & started working that very same day after all the new hire paperwork!! Talk about being SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!!!
What’s even better is that I work 8 days straight then off for 6 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well now that we had 2 incomes coming in, we started to get a lot of bills out of the way.. What a relief LOL!
Anyway… So after all that, I made an appt with a new dentist. I went in last week & I loved that place.. Everyone was so nice & welcoming. The place was immaculate!! The dentist & orthodontist took the time to explain everything.. They listened to my concerns & answered all of my questions. I felt like they really do care about their patients & want the help them the best way possible. I could say that I was really comfortable..
I had x-rays done, filling & a cleaning.. I will be back on the 11th of this month for a consultation for Invisalign.. Am excited to start my new journey to a beautiful & healthy smile!! I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading my post & hope I hear from you soon..
Well hope you have an Amazing & Blessed week!
Laugh, Love, Live
First, congratulations on your new job!!! Having read your story I am so happy that you will now be able to go through with your orthodontic treatment and that you have found a clinic and doctor you like. I love stories with happy endings
I got ceramic braces (upper jaw only at the moment) and have had very little pain or discomfort. My ortho and dentist are both very gentle and good at explaining which has made the whole process much easier.
Good luck and I hope you will keep us updated.
Ciara
