I moved to Greece 3 years ago and the pain in my gums and roof of my mouth increased so I visited a dentist here (11th Jan 07). I HATE going to the dentist due to some bad experiences as a child. Anyway despite smoking in the room (!) she was very good and suggested I see an orthodontist as there was nothing wrong with my gums but there might be tooth problem. Over the next two weeks I had lots of cleaning done and my gums felt better. The ortho is on the mainland which involes a 6 hour round ferry trip (not so ideal but my only option) and I went on 2nd Feb and was told I had a bad overbite, a too small upper jaw and a problem with the lower jaw. My bottom teeth are going inwards and are touching the roof of my mouth behind my two front teeth. I had elastic put in between my molars (slightly uncomfortable) and a cast taken of my teeth (which didn't hurt at all). The elastics hurt more and more as the two weeks wore on. I went back on 13th March and had my top braces put on - it was much better than I had expected (being terrified about going back).
My ortho is a little economical with information and mentioned I would need a bite plate, but wouldn't tell me when I was having the lower braces put on. Thanks too this great website I now know why! and lots of other things.
Anyway I also have head gear (eeekk) which has taken some getting used to. The first time I put it in (after being stranded on the ferry for 19 hours with no painkillers or soft food!) it hurt so much I actually banged my head against the wall. My teeth are sore but it's bearable. I go back in one week for my first tightening and I'm frightened! Am I being a big baby? I am missing raw carrots so much
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Am getting married in June too and it worries me that I might have the bite plate in then.
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
I have seen quite a change in just three weeks, not an ideal one though as one of my front teeth is now much larger than the other!
These are my teeth before (Feb 07)
Now three after the braces went on...