Hello everyone-
I finally took the plunge and got braces at 41. I didnt get them as a teen,and regretted it for a long time. I spent many years being embarrased by my smile. So Im finally at a point in my life where I can afford to do it, and WANT to do it, so Im excited about it.
I have only had them on for 3 1/2 weeks.I have to say, though, they are awkward, and hard to get used to, and finding things to eat has been a creative journey. Is there a point where you get back to eating "normal" food again?? I really miss Tostitos!!!!
Right now I only have braces on my top teeth.The "banding" was the worst part so far. Ive decided to try to have a positive attitude and have fun while wearing braces by getting brightly colored ligatures, and trying to not be embarrased to smile. I figure it will make the next couple of years more bearable.
Glad to know theres a place I can go to talk to others going through what I am. Im sure you'll be hearing more from me.....
Hi to all...
Moderator: bbsadmin
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eaglesoaring
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 10:11 am
- Location: Colorado-Kansas
rockymountaingal-
Hello! And WELCOME!!! I spend a fair amount of time out in Colorado. I actually have a home there and in Kansas! (Colorado Springs...where are you?) I'm 36 years old, and wished I'd gotten braces as a teen, as well. (But at least we have them now, right? Better late than never.)
I wanted to tell you that I've had my braces for about 6 weeks, and, because I have 'bite turbos' or 'buildups', I've had a little bit of difficulty getting used to eating...but it has gotten much BETTER! Around the 4-5 week point, I found that I wasn't as careful as I was when I first got my braces. I think that part of my difficulty with eating was that I was worried I'd pop off a bracket, or pop something, so I was being EXTREMELY careful, and not chewing wholeheartedly. Now, I do the best I can with these bite turbo's, and it's going pretty well. I've gained back the initial weight I'd lost.
I still have difficulty with taking a bite of something with my front teeth (they're really moving a LOT, so they're a bit tender), but other than that...I'm doing good.
Try to stay positive, and just know that it WILL get better!
You'll find this board VERY helpful, and supportive!
I was just out on the Western Slope to see family, and now I'm back in Kansas, and I MISS COLORADO!!! I'll be back out there in a few weeks, though.
Smile!! You did it! You got braces!! Congrats!
eagle
Hello! And WELCOME!!! I spend a fair amount of time out in Colorado. I actually have a home there and in Kansas! (Colorado Springs...where are you?) I'm 36 years old, and wished I'd gotten braces as a teen, as well. (But at least we have them now, right? Better late than never.)
I wanted to tell you that I've had my braces for about 6 weeks, and, because I have 'bite turbos' or 'buildups', I've had a little bit of difficulty getting used to eating...but it has gotten much BETTER! Around the 4-5 week point, I found that I wasn't as careful as I was when I first got my braces. I think that part of my difficulty with eating was that I was worried I'd pop off a bracket, or pop something, so I was being EXTREMELY careful, and not chewing wholeheartedly. Now, I do the best I can with these bite turbo's, and it's going pretty well. I've gained back the initial weight I'd lost.
I still have difficulty with taking a bite of something with my front teeth (they're really moving a LOT, so they're a bit tender), but other than that...I'm doing good.
Try to stay positive, and just know that it WILL get better!
You'll find this board VERY helpful, and supportive!
I was just out on the Western Slope to see family, and now I'm back in Kansas, and I MISS COLORADO!!! I'll be back out there in a few weeks, though.
Smile!! You did it! You got braces!! Congrats!
eagle
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rockymountaingal
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:07 am
- Location: Colorado
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eaglesoaring
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 10:11 am
- Location: Colorado-Kansas
rockymountaingal-
Bite turbos are basically a buildup of material (tooth colored, or metal) that the Ortho puts on your teeth, to prevent upper teeth or lower teeth, from knocking off brackets, due to bite problems.
More specifically, I have an overbite, and if I didn't have these bite turbo's on my back teeth, my upper teeth would knock my lower brackets clear off! So, now I only have one area, on either side of my mouth, where my teeth meet. They meet only where the 'turbo' is...and that's the only place I can chew. It looks like a glob of glue on my teeth, but is a hard material. Not everybody needs bite turbo's.
Vail, huh? I was driving through there day before yesterday. Beautiful town! I always slow down when I reach the summit of the pass...it's so beautiful up there!! (On I-70). I lived in Frisco/Dillon when I was younger, and it has changed so much!
Castlerock is a great town, too! And, yes, I drove through there, too! (I-25 South to Colorado Springs).
What do you do in Vail?
eagle
Bite turbos are basically a buildup of material (tooth colored, or metal) that the Ortho puts on your teeth, to prevent upper teeth or lower teeth, from knocking off brackets, due to bite problems.
More specifically, I have an overbite, and if I didn't have these bite turbo's on my back teeth, my upper teeth would knock my lower brackets clear off! So, now I only have one area, on either side of my mouth, where my teeth meet. They meet only where the 'turbo' is...and that's the only place I can chew. It looks like a glob of glue on my teeth, but is a hard material. Not everybody needs bite turbo's.
Vail, huh? I was driving through there day before yesterday. Beautiful town! I always slow down when I reach the summit of the pass...it's so beautiful up there!! (On I-70). I lived in Frisco/Dillon when I was younger, and it has changed so much!
Castlerock is a great town, too! And, yes, I drove through there, too! (I-25 South to Colorado Springs).
What do you do in Vail?
eagle
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rockymountaingal
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:07 am
- Location: Colorado
hmm.I wonder if I will need bite turbos on my bottom teeth when I finally get braces put on them, cause I have a bit of an overbite myself. Guess I can ask when I go for my first adjustment in 2 weeks.
I work for City Market (King Soopers over there) and travel around to 12 different stores here in the mountains. Right now Im working alot in the Denver and surrounding areas helping with store remodels. I was in Monument a couple of weeks ago. Nice area. Think its too rich for my blood tho.
I work for City Market (King Soopers over there) and travel around to 12 different stores here in the mountains. Right now Im working alot in the Denver and surrounding areas helping with store remodels. I was in Monument a couple of weeks ago. Nice area. Think its too rich for my blood tho.
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eaglesoaring
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 10:11 am
- Location: Colorado-Kansas
Gotta love City Market!! They have them on the Western Slope too, and I always shop there when I go and see family out there.
Definitely ask your Ortho about bite turbo's or buildups. They do NOT hurt...they're just a pain in the bootie because it's hard to chew on this one spot...but, I think I was able to get braced top AND bottom (the same day) because of these...otherwise I'd have had to wait who-knows-how-long to get my bottom ones braced. So, I can't complain too much.
Monument is booming! I should have bought there when I had the chance! (I could kick myself!)
My first adjustment is July 31. Let us all know how YOUR 1st adjustment goes! Oh, and write a list of questions...so you won't forget to ask when you get there. I've got several questions now.
If your ever in the Springs, let me know. I'm out there about every 3-7 weeks, usually for a week at a time.
eagle
Definitely ask your Ortho about bite turbo's or buildups. They do NOT hurt...they're just a pain in the bootie because it's hard to chew on this one spot...but, I think I was able to get braced top AND bottom (the same day) because of these...otherwise I'd have had to wait who-knows-how-long to get my bottom ones braced. So, I can't complain too much.
Monument is booming! I should have bought there when I had the chance! (I could kick myself!)
My first adjustment is July 31. Let us all know how YOUR 1st adjustment goes! Oh, and write a list of questions...so you won't forget to ask when you get there. I've got several questions now.
If your ever in the Springs, let me know. I'm out there about every 3-7 weeks, usually for a week at a time.
eagle
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ileftmyheartincolorado
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:12 am
- Location: Texas
Hi there!
I just wanted to pop in and say hi to all these fellow Coloradans!! Yay!! I grew up in the Springs, but was taken kicking and screaming to Texas right before my senior year of high school!! I got married down here, so I'm stuck...but I do go up to the Springs at least once a year to visit. I was just there 2 weeks ago, actually! I miss it!! It's gotten so huge since I officially left 14 years ago!! I'm shocked!!
My jaw dropped when I read that you work for King Soopers, too! My best friend just moved back to the Springs a month ago, and was hired by King Soopers doing LP! He starts Monday!! Smaaaaaaaaall world!!!
Anyway....it's great to have people to go through this braces journey with that I can also talk about the wonderfulness (is that a word?!) of Colorado with!
I just wanted to pop in and say hi to all these fellow Coloradans!! Yay!! I grew up in the Springs, but was taken kicking and screaming to Texas right before my senior year of high school!! I got married down here, so I'm stuck...but I do go up to the Springs at least once a year to visit. I was just there 2 weeks ago, actually! I miss it!! It's gotten so huge since I officially left 14 years ago!! I'm shocked!!
My jaw dropped when I read that you work for King Soopers, too! My best friend just moved back to the Springs a month ago, and was hired by King Soopers doing LP! He starts Monday!! Smaaaaaaaaall world!!!
Anyway....it's great to have people to go through this braces journey with that I can also talk about the wonderfulness (is that a word?!) of Colorado with!
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eaglesoaring
- Posts: 143
- Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 10:11 am
- Location: Colorado-Kansas
ileftmyheartincolorado-
HEY!!! I, too, moved to TX after I lived in the Springs for about 7 years. Boy, what culture shock I experienced! I lived in Humble (near Houston). I now live in Kansas AND Colorado. Family here, family there. Kind of a complex situation, but I lead an interesting life, that's for sure! We have a house on Hwy. 24, just East of the Springs. I used to live near the Broadmoor...NO, not IN the Broadmoor, just near it...and both areas are so tremendous. I stayed ONE night at the Broadmoor for our Honeymoon! It was so awesome!!
I sympathize with you...and your missing Colorado. It's a beautiful state! And, the term "wonderfulness" is good in my vocabulary!! It definitely describes Colorado!
How long have you had/will you have braces? What types of problems do you have? Overcrowding? Overbite? Overjet? Constricted arches?
I've been in my Inovation-R's for about 6 weeks. (Self-ligating, similar to Damon braces). I have overcrowding upper/lower arches. 6mm overbite. 2 mm overjet. All in all, just really crooked teeth, which never bothered me, until I got my wisdom teeth removed a couple of years ago. Then, it seemed that my teeth/jaw started to shift. At first, I thought it was my imagination...but then my tongue seemed to lack the room needed to relax. So, here I am. I'm doing well in my braces...and honostly look forward to the day that I get them off. I have a long way to go, but I have noticed so much movement! My tongue is getting more room, and as a bonus, my teeth are straighter!! Hooray!!!
Tell me about your braces situation...
eagle
HEY!!! I, too, moved to TX after I lived in the Springs for about 7 years. Boy, what culture shock I experienced! I lived in Humble (near Houston). I now live in Kansas AND Colorado. Family here, family there. Kind of a complex situation, but I lead an interesting life, that's for sure! We have a house on Hwy. 24, just East of the Springs. I used to live near the Broadmoor...NO, not IN the Broadmoor, just near it...and both areas are so tremendous. I stayed ONE night at the Broadmoor for our Honeymoon! It was so awesome!!
I sympathize with you...and your missing Colorado. It's a beautiful state! And, the term "wonderfulness" is good in my vocabulary!! It definitely describes Colorado!
How long have you had/will you have braces? What types of problems do you have? Overcrowding? Overbite? Overjet? Constricted arches?
I've been in my Inovation-R's for about 6 weeks. (Self-ligating, similar to Damon braces). I have overcrowding upper/lower arches. 6mm overbite. 2 mm overjet. All in all, just really crooked teeth, which never bothered me, until I got my wisdom teeth removed a couple of years ago. Then, it seemed that my teeth/jaw started to shift. At first, I thought it was my imagination...but then my tongue seemed to lack the room needed to relax. So, here I am. I'm doing well in my braces...and honostly look forward to the day that I get them off. I have a long way to go, but I have noticed so much movement! My tongue is getting more room, and as a bonus, my teeth are straighter!! Hooray!!!
Tell me about your braces situation...
eagle
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ileftmyheartincolorado
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:12 am
- Location: Texas
Hi Eagle!
Now THAT is funny!! I moved TO Colorado Springs FROM Houston when I was 9!! Well, Houston area...I was in Katy! Crazy!!! I lived on Constitution and Powers in the Springs! Well, west of Powers...there wasn't ANYTHING east of Powers when I left!! I still love it there though! I went to the Broadmoor when I was up there 2 weeks ago and walked over the bridge and around the lake at night!! I live in Amarillo now...so I'm actually only 5 hours from the Springs, which makes it easier to go get my "fix" when I have the chance!
I'm getting my braces on next Thursday, the 20th...I've had my spacers in now for 3 days, and they are just now starting to bug me a little bit. I'm 31 and have lived with an 8 mm. gap between my top front teeth for my whole life. I'm sick of it!! The ortho tells me that the gap will "close beautifully", so I'm extremely anxious to see if he's right!!!! I can't wait!!!!
Now THAT is funny!! I moved TO Colorado Springs FROM Houston when I was 9!!
Well, Houston area...I was in Katy! Crazy!!! I lived on Constitution and Powers in the Springs! Well, west of Powers...there wasn't ANYTHING east of Powers when I left!! I still love it there though! I went to the Broadmoor when I was up there 2 weeks ago and walked over the bridge and around the lake at night!! I live in Amarillo now...so I'm actually only 5 hours from the Springs, which makes it easier to go get my "fix" when I have the chance!I'm getting my braces on next Thursday, the 20th...I've had my spacers in now for 3 days, and they are just now starting to bug me a little bit. I'm 31 and have lived with an 8 mm. gap between my top front teeth for my whole life. I'm sick of it!! The ortho tells me that the gap will "close beautifully", so I'm extremely anxious to see if he's right!!!! I can't wait!!!!
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rockymountaingal
- Posts: 115
- Joined: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:07 am
- Location: Colorado
howdy Ileftmyheart,
This IS a small world. I was born & raised in Dallas. I moved to Arkansas in '96 and lived there for about 5 years, then after my divorce moved to Houston ( I said Id NEVER live there) where my sisters live.I stayed there for about 3 years before looking to move up this way.Luckily job opportunities brought us here. I have been in Colorado a little over a year. I just went back home on vacation, and I can imagine how hard it would be to go from Colorado to Texas..
Anyhow, welcome, too, and good luck with your appointment on Thursday. Let us know how it turns out.
This IS a small world. I was born & raised in Dallas. I moved to Arkansas in '96 and lived there for about 5 years, then after my divorce moved to Houston ( I said Id NEVER live there) where my sisters live.I stayed there for about 3 years before looking to move up this way.Luckily job opportunities brought us here. I have been in Colorado a little over a year. I just went back home on vacation, and I can imagine how hard it would be to go from Colorado to Texas..
Anyhow, welcome, too, and good luck with your appointment on Thursday. Let us know how it turns out.