Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi all! I wanted to document my journey, so here goes! Well, I actually had braces back in 10th grade, 27 years ago! My teeth came out beautiful, but I truly never knew that my teeth could move back throughout my life, so here I am starting again! I went to an orthodontist to see if I could get a retainer because my teeth were rubbing together on the left side so badly at night that I was getting headaches, and it was pushing my side teeth outward, and twisting them. They took photos on my first visit, and he carefully looked at my teeth, and I didn't have even a millimeter between my top and bottom teeth, and the enamel was being rubbed off as well. He said a retainer could not do the job, that I actually needed braces again to fix this! In a weird way I was kind of excited, to actually be able to do something all over again that I forgot what it had been like! So, I made my decision, and two weeks later I had the impressions, clear brackets put on top, and regular brackets on bottom. It has now been one month, and I have had time to get used to them, and have had my first adjustment. I wanted to have colored ligs put on the bottom, but I had to have wire ties put on, so she said maybe next time. They didn't do any adjustment to the top, she said next time they will put on a heavier wire. I am having fun with it, I love this site, I talk to some really cool people. I will post some pictures, and keep everyone who is interested posted on the progress!<br>


these are new pics from 10-13-08! I have had some super movement on my lowers over the past few weeks with these wire ties, my canines have really turned towards the front, and the crowding has lessened. I am very happy with this! I just wish I would have more movement on top!
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Hi, I have added some new pics! Would love any comments! Thanks!

Hi Katarina,
It's nice to see someone my age (I'm 43) and newly braced for the second time around (just like me - braces 27 yrs ago!) Mine turned out great the first time, but yeah, lots of shifting happened over the years.
Now I'm 2 days into my 2 yr treatment.
Thanks for sharing the pictures. It is always encouraging to hear other people's stories and see their progress.
Best,
Chris

Chris, thanks a lot! I felt so silly getting the braces until I found this site, and how many others were like me. Now I walk around smiling all the time, and with the progress, I am so happy and excited to see how they come out! How are you coming along so far? Oh yea, and welcome!

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for asking how it's going for me, Katarina!
I have to say that I obsessed about getting braces again for a long time and when I finally sat there getting them on I thought, Oh my gosh, I'm actually doing it! And then when I saw my teeth I was like, What have I done?
I kinda' felt like Ugly Betty and got some teenage angst flashbacks ;-P But after finding this site and reading about everyone else I feel much better. That is, no buyer's remorse. Just hoping it doesn't take longer than the 2 yrs and that it all turns out bee-yoo-ti-ful.
I have to figure out how to get my photos small enough so I can share my progress. Also gotta work on that ticker thing - it's cute.
Best,
Chris

Chris, yes, I was worried at first to...but now I feel good about my decision since I have seen movement! But like you, this site has been so great! I love reading and looking at pictures. I hope you get some pictures soon too, so we can watch progress! Take care!

This is site is great. It's good to know I'm not alone as an adult in braces. It's inspiring to see other's pictures and progress.

Keep us posted on your new braces.

Thanks a lot for all the encouragement! I am so happy with my decision, and except for the occasional mouth rubbing, I am doing ok. I just keep looking at everyones teeth now, and it seems everyone has perfect teeth!

Hello to everyone here!
How's it going Katarina?
lol, I always look at everyone's teeth - probably the first thing I ever notice.
I'm glad to be doing something about mine

One week down for me today! The braces feel like they're part of my mouth now. I've also gotten adept at flossing!

Onward...

Chris

I go back and forth......today the lowers are bothering me more than normal...... but, I am trudging on!!

Hello Katrina!

I guess it's not any easier the second time around?! But your's look really good!

I am so glad I found this site. I've been having second thoughts but then all I need to do is visit here and I know I'm doing the right thing!

I'm 41 and a little worried about what people will say. My kids think it's great!

I will have two extractions (both upper canines) and then brace day is November 4!

Hey Sue! welcome to you too! I was worried at first that I would be the only one my age.....this site is soooo cool for making you feel better! I am happy that I am doing it, again....but it is not as easy as I remember! Some days are better than others, but nothing I can't handle! I bet you are getting excited because your day is coming up! What kind of brackets are you getting?

Welcome Sue!
Don't worry, you're doing the right thing

Hi Katarina,
When did you notice any progress? It'll be 2 weeks for me tomorrow and I think I actually see a difference already (wishful thinking?)

Chris

Hey Chris! I really noticed a change after a month, especially after my first adjustment. I can tell, because the floss gets in to some of the tight spots much easier! But I am sure you can notice some improvement, I thought I did too much sooner!