Metal Mouth Message Board

It has been great finding this site and other adults waiting for braces/in braces.
Well, I'm waiting for 1st April when I get bite blocks to stop my top teeth hitting my bottom brackets, and then the real thing on April 8th. As the dates are getting nearer I'm getting nervous and excited... My family (husband, 'kids' 27,24 and 19) are supportive of the idea - 2 of the kids had braces when younger so they have given me a few tips. I've only told a few other people (one told me I was very brave 'because your teeth really show', which was scary!)
Anyway, why go through this? I've had gum disease (now sorted) and my two front teeth have moved apart. Also, my right front tooth is now longer than the left one . My bottom teeth are quite crowded so I'm going for top and bottom braces. Once 'sorted' my teeth will be easier to clean, too - at present I use four different sizes of tiny Te-Pe brushes plus floss to get between the various gaps!
I'm pretty old to be going in for this (55, will be 56 at the end of May) but would like to be able to smile in photos.. Didn't want to get my teeth crowned or veneers instead as I quite like the teeth (just not where they are). Also, I had braces as a teenager and was grateful for years that I'd corrected sticking out teeth, so I know from experience that orthodontics can be v.good for self-esteem.
I'm having either Damon3 or Clarity SL/Smartclip self-litigating braces. With either I'll have metal on the bottom as I have an overbite. Not sure at present which to choose - any views? I understand that the Damon3 will be slightly quicker. Good to 'meet' you all.

Welcome longintheT ! Was really interesting to hear ure story, i have had my top braces on a week now and so far so good!

congrats on your decision. Sounds like with the support you are getting from your family and your positive attitude you journey will be that much easier.

I, like you, took the plunge in my 50's and with a few exceptions I have never regretted my decision. I have damon brackets and other than not being able to have colored ligs when I felt like being young and foolish I have been happy with them. I originally was told the damon brackets might speed up the process which was estimated to be 12-16 months. Well the new release date is May which will result in a total of 18 months. I'm not sure if the damon brackets made a difference or not.

Hope all goes well for you and look forward to following your progress.

Rhonda http://www.myspace.com/ibbraced

rhonda30 wrote:congrats on your decision. Sounds like with the support you are getting from your family and your positive attitude you journey will be that much easier.

I, like you, took the plunge in my 50's and with a few exceptions I have never regretted my decision. I have damon brackets and other than not being able to have colored ligs when I felt like being young and foolish I have been happy with them. I originally was told the damon brackets might speed up the process which was estimated to be 12-16 months. Well the new release date is May which will result in a total of 18 months. I'm not sure if the damon brackets made a difference or not.

Hope all goes well for you and look forward to following your progress.

Rhonda http://www.myspace.com/ibbraced

Have been meaning to reply for ages... Anyway, thank you for the good wishes and your views on damon braces and how long they take - they helped me decide which ones to go for. Not sure currently about my positive attitude - my braces go on on Tuesday and I am currently terrified!!
I have really enjoyed reading your story. It must be good to know that the braces will be off so soon!

Oh dear, seem to have replied to myself, so here goes again...
Have been meaning to reply for ages... Thank you for your good wishes and your experience of damon braces - this was v. helpful in helping me to decide.
Not sure about my positive attitude as the braces go on on Tuesday and I am currently terrified!!
I have really enjoyed reading your story. It must be good to know that your braces will be off so soon.

HHB, I think it's quite normal to get cold feet, especially if you're a first timer and set in your ways (like me). This really takes us out of our comfort zones. I know I thought about bailing several times before I started.

Stick with your decision, the discomfort is tolerable and, apart from having to spend more time cleaning your teeth, there isn't much inconvenience. And the time will absolutely fly.

HHB, go for it! I'm 52 and braced (Damon 3/mx) for a month now. It is incredible how much my teeth have moved already. In spite of some discomfort the first few days, a few sore areas inside of my mouth, and a new, focused approach to dental hygiene, I am so glad I did it. And this website has been a great source of information.