31 and getting braces!!!!

Message

#1 Post by **BrandonH** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:23 pm

Hello --- very nice forum here. I've been lurking since I made the decision to get braces.

So, today I went for the consultation. My dentist suspected I qualified and would only have to wear the things for 12 - 18 months.

WRONG!

My ortho said I qualify, but due to a crossbite, it would require and RPE and 36 months (maybe 24 if I'm really lucky) of treatment. I assume it will take 36 months since that is the payment plan they put me on.

I can handle the 3 years. I can handle the added cost of the RPE. It's the 6 months of funky speech and discomfort that the RPE brings that has me in knots.

I'm in the process of buying a fancy schmancy electric tooth brush and can't decide between the roto-dent and the oral b w/ smart guide. I'm going to ask the Ortho next week what he thinks.

Well, I'm looking forward to at least a 3 year ride with everyone here ---- hopefully friendships will be formed and I'll be here much longer than 3 years.

Any advice, recommendations, etc will be appreciated. . . . .

#2 Post by **calyanne** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:11 pm

dont mean to sound stupid, but what is a RPE? I have upper/lower lingual bars and have been slurring for 5 weeks since i got the braces on, so i feel your pain. i feel like people think im an idiot when i talk, augh. btw my doc gave me an oral B, ive never tried any other electric toothbrush so i cant compare, but i like the oral B just fine.

#3 Post by **BrandonH** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:24 pm

the RPE is a mideival torture device my doctor insists on fusing to my upper jaw

It's some kind of rapid expander. . . . he said I'd have a tough time speaking for a while.

#4 Post by **chef** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:15 pm

Got some different stuff in my mouth, tpa, elastics, whatever, but adjusted well and not having any problems. Some peeps don't get bothered by tpa or rpe. Best of luck for a smooth ride.