10 Years After Braces

If you have finished with your orthodontic treatment and are wearing retainers (or will be soon), this is a special place to connect with others in your (enviable) situation. Ask a question or make a comment about life post-braces.

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TimSeattle
Posts: 148
Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 5:28 pm
Location: Seattle, Washington

10 Years After Braces

#1 Post by TimSeattle »

It's been 10 years since I had my braces removed. Everything is still perfect. I brush with a Sonicare, use regular floss and an electric water flosser daily, and get regular dental check-ups and cleanings. I wear my Essix retainers about one night a week (I had to get new retainers after about five years because of wear and tear.)

I could not be happier with my teeth, which will now last a lifetime and continue to look good. The three years of braces helped me to this point and the experience was well worth it.

Life After braces is excellent!
"Every tooth in a man's mouth is more valuable than a diamond" Don Quixote

Braces On: 5/2004
Braces Off: 3/2007

dh892r
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2017 6:19 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#2 Post by dh892r »

Thanks for the post Tim. This is reassuring to those, like myself, who are in the midst of braces and having any doubts about the why.

maryedenissa
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:22 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#3 Post by maryedenissa »

lucky you! I just hope that my teeth wont move after braces. I had enough of crowding and tartar issues, plus dental expenses :cry:

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Felina Grimm
Posts: 188
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 1:44 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#4 Post by Felina Grimm »

5 years with the same Essix? I thought they only lasted 6 months - 1 year. Awesome!
Age:34
Sentence: 24 months, months served: 35 months
Traditional Full-Metal Brackets
Top: 9/9/2014
Bottom: 10/15/2014
Debonded: 8/7/2017

Image

Azul
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 1:35 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#5 Post by Azul »

My lower Essix is only 6 months old and it already has a hole in it. For that reason I ordered a pair of Hawleys.

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Felina Grimm
Posts: 188
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 1:44 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#6 Post by Felina Grimm »

Azul wrote:My lower Essix is only 6 months old and it already has a hole in it. For that reason I ordered a pair of Hawleys.
It's been only two weeks and I'm clenching like crazy, so I wouldn't be surprised if mine last 6 months or less.
Age:34
Sentence: 24 months, months served: 35 months
Traditional Full-Metal Brackets
Top: 9/9/2014
Bottom: 10/15/2014
Debonded: 8/7/2017

Image

Azul
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 1:35 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#7 Post by Azul »

Felina Grimm wrote:
Azul wrote:My lower Essix is only 6 months old and it already has a hole in it. For that reason I ordered a pair of Hawleys.
It's been only two weeks and I'm clenching like crazy, so I wouldn't be surprised if mine last 6 months or less.
That' s my problem with the Essix, I keep clenching my teeth all the time!!

Balfie
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2018 5:29 am

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#8 Post by Balfie »

Its really good to read this!
I've just had my braces taken off, I had thought I would have to wear a retainer for the rest of my life so was pleasantly surprised when my orthodontist said not
And now to read your post, maybe ending up wearing the retainer once per week, thats amazing! I hope I am similar.

So glad to be rid of my braces and onto this next stage of my treatment. :)

jem
Posts: 942
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:05 am
Location: UK

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#9 Post by jem »

It is 6 years this month since I had my brace fitted and 4 1/2 years since it was removed. I have a bonded retainer and also wear a hawley every night. My teeth have not moved at all and the retainer regime is no problem. Glad I did it!

Jem
Sectional brace with Damon clear brackets fitted to front 6 upper teeth 3 January 2012
Brackets added to premolars 2 April 2012
Estimated treatment time originally 6-9 months
. Brace removed on 22 July 2013 after 18 months and 19 days
Now enjoying bonded upper retainer plus part time essix/hawley( I have both)

Click here for my story http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... =9&t=42194

OccludedCarl
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 11:42 am

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#10 Post by OccludedCarl »

Keep it up.. I hope I can be as disciplined as you.

LED
Posts: 6
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2018 12:36 pm

Re: 10 Years After Braces

#11 Post by LED »

[quote="Felina Grimm" post_id=496858 time=1503377027 user_id=24054]
5 years with the same Essix? I thought they only lasted 6 months - 1 year. Awesome!
[/quote]

Mine lasted 6 years before one broke while cleaning. Now I'm on my second pair and it's been 4 years.

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