Now I've been in treatment for 18 months. So I figured I'd make a short post on my thoughts and hopefully encourage newbies.1. Braces type does not matter.
Seriously no one notices my braces. And I have metal braces. The only time friends mention them is if I do or if they see me for the first time. And even then they just say, "you have braces," then move on. Seriously it is not a big deal at all. We, as newbie braces wearers, think its such a big deal to people and its not.
2. Pain tolerances vary.
For example, I have never taken any pain meds after an adjustment and I eat normally after 1 or 2 days. Others cannot.
3. Estimated treatment times can be off.
Sometimes people get their braces off sooner, sometimes later. Don't get your hopes too high about an estimated time, because you have to remember it is just that an estimate.
4. Things will get worse before they are better.
I see this worry all the time. Lol. Your teeth are constantly going to be shifting, and things have to get worse before teeth can move into place. And yes, you'll get gaps and have an off bite. It's part of the process.
And the most important one: 5. It is completely worth it!!!!!!!
Seriously. If you're on the fence, but you have the opportunity to get braces, just get them!! You'll be sooooooo happy with the results! Honestly my biggest regret is that I couldn't have done this sooner. (Though to be fair, if I had gotten braces as a child, I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much).
Anyways those are 5 major things off the top of my head.
Also here's some pictures throughout my journey (nothing's new lol, but I thought it might be encouraging for people to see the changes that can happen).
This one was my favorite. I haven't had the opportunity to experience the absolute joy of elastics... yet. but I'm positive I will feel exactly the same. Haha.