Metal Mouth Message Board

since i got braces i look different via the lips and lower face. everything looks different.. maybe its the braces doing it i dont know

believer1964-

I think you may be getting too worked up over things here. Yes, your appearance may change a bit with the braces. How can it not? You now have a bunch of metal (or ceramic) in your mouth that you never had before; that you have to now maneuver around to try to eat, drink, and even speak sometimes. Your teeth will probably look worse before they look better. You may develop another "problem" (overjet, etc.), while another improves. You just have to trust your orthodontist that he/she knows what they're doing. They won't take the braces off with your teeth still jacked up.

You will truly drive yourself insane by scrutinizing your teeth so closely. I'm not saying to not pay attention to them (I'm constantly taking pics of mine!), but keep in mind that this is a long process, and requires patience and a positive attitude. In the end, you will end up with a gorgeous smile!

Take care-
Cathy

I can't quite see how braces can make such changes to your face in just over 1 month (permanent changes). You are probably just experiencing temporary changes that will change more over time. Someone once said on here (I can't remember who) that teeth move 1-2mm a month, so I cannot see someones face changing much in just over a month, and if it does then like I said, it's probably temporary. Also, your lips may appear different because you now have all that metal work in your mouth, where as before you didn't. It kinda takes up room so makes your lips/mouth look different.

You are not even 1/4 way through your treatment, and alot more work/changes are going to take place. I have read many times that sometimes things can look 'worse' before getting better, it's just part of the process I guess.

I agree with catygyrl, your Orthodontist isn't going to leave you with funky teeth at the end of treatment. I think you might be worrying just a little too much from your posts and maybe it's best you ask your Ortho if it's worrying you so much? maybe they can put your fears at rest.

I think sometimes people can become a bit 'obsessed' with their teeth/face/lips and I can see why, but after only one month I think you need to take a deep breath and chill out

I hope I can take my own advice and that I don't end up a worrier! lol.

Catgyrl: believer1964-

I think you may be getting too worked up over things here.


Ha Ha....ya think?

*hugs* to you Believer. It seems like maybe you are having a rough go of it. Even though it is reasonable to believe that maybe your appearance has been altered slightly, I think it's safe to say that you are going to notice it more than others. I can almost guarantee, without even seeing any of your pictures, that it isn't as bad as you feel it is.

Hang in there! <3

Believer try to see the positive in all of this. I feel bad for you because you seem like you are having a really rough time. I bet it's not as bad as you think. Sometimes we are our worse critic.

I have heard so many people say it can get worse before it gets better. It will be worth it in the end

Believer, it will get better. We all have been there. I thought I looked horrendous the first few months. Many days I cried because I though I looked horrible. Things will get better with time. Try not to worry and relish in the fact that you are doing something to make you happy.