Anxiety during treatment

[Linda1]

Since starting orthodontic treatment, I've had a lot of anxiety that's come from my treatment. It's been pretty involved for me in an effort to avoid jaw surgery and some of my appliances have been very uncomfortable, making it difficult to speak. I also have felt odd being an adult in treatment with braces, elastics, and appliances that are visible to others, including headgear. I have been taking one anxiety medication for a while. In February, my psychiatrist upped my dosage on that medication and started me on a new medication. I've had to go back several times to have it adjusted. The second medication didn't work well, so she put me on a new one a few weeks ago. She suggested I start going to an anxiety therapy group, so I went for the first time two weeks ago. It made me anxious to be there but helped to be able to talk about my orthodontic journey. I've told them about the headgear but still haven't worn it.

[Gia]

Got braces in October and within 10 days was back at the orthodontist because it triggered panic attacks s that had resolved more than 30 before. Thought I'd have to remove them. My orthodontist had been wonderful. I've been taking medication and working with cognitive therapy. Still anxious but managing it. Hang in there!