I’m Libby(short for Elizabeth) I’m 20 years old and from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US. I’m finally getting braces after years and years of b.s. I’m medically diagnosed with a Class III Malocclusion with Mandibular prognathism. My fourth molars do not touch, all of my upper front teeth are behind my lower front teeth, and my bottom front teeth are bent backwards in an attempt to reach the upper front. It’s a mess in there. Things are lopsided and crooked and I can’t stand it. I’ve had issues my entire life with my teeth, I rarely ever smile, and when I do I brood at it because I hate how it looks. I have jaw issues(popping & clicking every time I open my mouth), headaches everyday(especially after I eat anything hard like bread,ect.), and wear on my teeth from them grinding and meeting in the wrong ways. It’s been getting increasingly worse over the years and after a long and arduous process I’m going for it. Mostly because of my eating, and general living issues and also because over the years it has killed my self esteem so I’m hoping it’ll work out. I’m also a theater and acting studies major at university and nobody likes crooked teeth in that industry.
It all started with my Mum’s clear insistence that I didn’t need them, then us not having dental insurance that covered orthodontics, and then some bad luck with my first two orthos. Ortho #1 I saw when I was 14 and he told me that I had serious bite problems and that I would need to have four of me teeth pulled and a palatal expander, but that after all this it wouldn’t fix my bite and just make my teeth straight unless I had surgery. So me being 14 did not want surgery nor could we afford the cost of the braces, so it got left at that. And really this ortho office bothered me since they weren’t very friendly or explained my situation very well and according my dad they only seemed interested in “how fast they can put the metal in your mouth and relieve my pocket of it’s moneyâ€
Libby's very Long & Involved Braces Story.
Moderator: bbsadmin
Hey Libby, welcome to AW! It's nice to see someone like me on the boards. I'm also 20 years old with Class III, although I am trying for the non-surgical route. I read all of your story so far and am looking forward to the rest. What a long process of getting your braces! I'm glad that things finally worked out for you though. I hope you are planning on posting pictures; they're the best part of everyone's story! 
2nd Part
Hiya cathkay! Thanks for your support! It's awesome to see someone else with my issues on here too. I was searching for it and couldn't find many similar to mine.
So here's the second part:
On Tuesday of this week (May 5, 2009!) I went into the office at 11am to have new records done. I had molds taken of my mouth, full headed x-rays, x-rays of every quadrant of the teeth and photos. Then after an hour of that the ortho came and talked to me and my dad about what was going to be done and showed me that I have very short roots on my upper teeth so that much care would need to be taken to ensure they don’t shrink anymore. Then I had another mold taken to make a biteplate which will keep my teeth from grinding and keep me from experiencing any unwanted pain when my upper front teeth start moving over my bottom front teeth. Then around 12:30 I was taken into the bracing area. One of the dental assistants prepped my teeth and then felt very sandy and funny after she was done. Then the ortho came over to put the brackets in. I didn’t even realize that was what he was doing until he told me to rinse out and I saw they were already there! I didn’t feel any pain at all when they went on. And the worst pain actually came from the plastic holders they used to keep my mouth open while they did this. Then I came back over and the wire was put in and the little doors closed on the brackets. I felt just a little pressure, but it didn’t really bother me. I have Damon braces and was told they apparently cause less discomfort. The bracing itself only took about 45 minutes. I only have braces on my upper teeth right now until they move over the bottom ones so that they can be braced as well. After I was braced the assistant took me into another room where she went over brushing, flossing, how to use threaders, things not to eat, and things I might experience the first couple of days. Then she gave me some Advil and my ortho came in to ask me if I had any questions and if I was having any problems.
So far, so good. It was taking some getting used to and I kept poking at them and staring at them as it was very weird for me to have them in, hah! I wasn’t having any issues eating or drinking and I went to meet up with one of my friends for lunch. But during this time I wasn’t even eating anything on the no-no list, I was just having soup! But when I bit down I popped off my right side molar bracket. Of course, I was panicking since I hadn’t even had them on an -hour-. I called the ortho and they told me to come right back, which I did, and it was there they decided to keep it off until I’m on a heavier wire since the way my bite is I’m going to knock it off no matter what right now. But because of this the wire tore up my cheek and no amount of wax could save it, so Orabase is my new best friend.
But since that last incident I’ve not really had any major problems. Wednesday I woke up with some tenderness and the one side of my mouth was ripped up from rubbing in my sleep. I wasn’t able to chew anything without pain, so I was reduced to nearly liquid things and baby food (left over from another surgery, actually not bad!). Thursday things weren’t much better, if not worse. I had my bite plate put in, it’s removable, but I still talk very funny. Friday much of the sores in my mouth had worn down, I didn’t need to take any pain killers, didn’t need wax, or Orabase. I can chew some soft things like a donut. And today I feel great, not any pain, and my mouth is almost healed, but I haven’t tried eating anything. The first night I had my braces on it took me 45 minutes to floss, brush, clean my tongue, and apply my fluoride(and I’ve never been the champion for oral hygiene in the first place>>). But I’m getting it down to around 15 or less now that I’m getting the hang of it and the pain is reducing.
I can already feel some things have moved, and when I took my bite plate out to eat yesterday my back molars up top were touching my bottom back molars, and when I first had my biteplate on only one tooth touched it and now most of my molars touch. I’m excited.
So it begins! My next adjustment is June 11th (right before my birthday!) and then I have an appointment to meet my surgeon in September with a projection for surgery within 8-12 months. I’m going to be braced up until the surgery, and then for 8-12 months after. The next two years are going to be long.
So here are some pictures of my chompers thus far.
Molds of my mouth taken:
Front View
Left View
Right View
Day 1 of Braces:
Frontal View
Upper Inside View
So here's the second part:
On Tuesday of this week (May 5, 2009!) I went into the office at 11am to have new records done. I had molds taken of my mouth, full headed x-rays, x-rays of every quadrant of the teeth and photos. Then after an hour of that the ortho came and talked to me and my dad about what was going to be done and showed me that I have very short roots on my upper teeth so that much care would need to be taken to ensure they don’t shrink anymore. Then I had another mold taken to make a biteplate which will keep my teeth from grinding and keep me from experiencing any unwanted pain when my upper front teeth start moving over my bottom front teeth. Then around 12:30 I was taken into the bracing area. One of the dental assistants prepped my teeth and then felt very sandy and funny after she was done. Then the ortho came over to put the brackets in. I didn’t even realize that was what he was doing until he told me to rinse out and I saw they were already there! I didn’t feel any pain at all when they went on. And the worst pain actually came from the plastic holders they used to keep my mouth open while they did this. Then I came back over and the wire was put in and the little doors closed on the brackets. I felt just a little pressure, but it didn’t really bother me. I have Damon braces and was told they apparently cause less discomfort. The bracing itself only took about 45 minutes. I only have braces on my upper teeth right now until they move over the bottom ones so that they can be braced as well. After I was braced the assistant took me into another room where she went over brushing, flossing, how to use threaders, things not to eat, and things I might experience the first couple of days. Then she gave me some Advil and my ortho came in to ask me if I had any questions and if I was having any problems.
So far, so good. It was taking some getting used to and I kept poking at them and staring at them as it was very weird for me to have them in, hah! I wasn’t having any issues eating or drinking and I went to meet up with one of my friends for lunch. But during this time I wasn’t even eating anything on the no-no list, I was just having soup! But when I bit down I popped off my right side molar bracket. Of course, I was panicking since I hadn’t even had them on an -hour-. I called the ortho and they told me to come right back, which I did, and it was there they decided to keep it off until I’m on a heavier wire since the way my bite is I’m going to knock it off no matter what right now. But because of this the wire tore up my cheek and no amount of wax could save it, so Orabase is my new best friend.
But since that last incident I’ve not really had any major problems. Wednesday I woke up with some tenderness and the one side of my mouth was ripped up from rubbing in my sleep. I wasn’t able to chew anything without pain, so I was reduced to nearly liquid things and baby food (left over from another surgery, actually not bad!). Thursday things weren’t much better, if not worse. I had my bite plate put in, it’s removable, but I still talk very funny. Friday much of the sores in my mouth had worn down, I didn’t need to take any pain killers, didn’t need wax, or Orabase. I can chew some soft things like a donut. And today I feel great, not any pain, and my mouth is almost healed, but I haven’t tried eating anything. The first night I had my braces on it took me 45 minutes to floss, brush, clean my tongue, and apply my fluoride(and I’ve never been the champion for oral hygiene in the first place>>). But I’m getting it down to around 15 or less now that I’m getting the hang of it and the pain is reducing.
I can already feel some things have moved, and when I took my bite plate out to eat yesterday my back molars up top were touching my bottom back molars, and when I first had my biteplate on only one tooth touched it and now most of my molars touch. I’m excited.
So it begins! My next adjustment is June 11th (right before my birthday!) and then I have an appointment to meet my surgeon in September with a projection for surgery within 8-12 months. I’m going to be braced up until the surgery, and then for 8-12 months after. The next two years are going to be long.
So here are some pictures of my chompers thus far.
Molds of my mouth taken:
Front View
Left View
Right View
Day 1 of Braces:
Frontal View
Upper Inside View
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kayleighkelley
- Posts: 85
- Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2009 10:26 pm
- Location: Illinois
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MetalMouthJoel
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:21 am
- Location: Philadelphia
Hello Libby! I'm in the Philadelphia area too!
I think our situation is similar. I've had treatment as a kid to fix my bite and teeth but over the years my teeth just moved on its own and my bite got worse. I haven't been to the ortho since because I'm scared to know how much it is all going to cost me now that i'm 20 and my work doesn't have dental insurance. I know that I'm going to have to get it one day because looking at myself in the mirror and seeing my teeth really brings my self-esteem/ confidence down. I will follow your story through and wish you the best!
Here is a photo of how my teeth look right now..
I'm hoping to have some cash saved up first before I go and get braced up. I just bought a car back in Feb and now wish i hadn't.
I think our situation is similar. I've had treatment as a kid to fix my bite and teeth but over the years my teeth just moved on its own and my bite got worse. I haven't been to the ortho since because I'm scared to know how much it is all going to cost me now that i'm 20 and my work doesn't have dental insurance. I know that I'm going to have to get it one day because looking at myself in the mirror and seeing my teeth really brings my self-esteem/ confidence down. I will follow your story through and wish you the best!
Here is a photo of how my teeth look right now..
I'm hoping to have some cash saved up first before I go and get braced up. I just bought a car back in Feb and now wish i hadn't.
Oh neat, hi! I don't have any dental insurance either and mine are running around $6300. I would say it is definitely worth it though. I've already seen a few major improvements in my bite and cosmetically. I'll have more pictures up hopefully by the weekend as I've got an adjustment on Thursday.
Take care!
I don't have any dental insurance either and mine are running around $6300. I would say it is definitely worth it though. I've already seen a few major improvements in my bite and cosmetically. I'll have more pictures up hopefully by the weekend as I've got an adjustment on Thursday.Take care!
Yesterday was my first adjustment! I went in and the assistant took my arch wire out and I got to brush my teeth without it in. It was very weird not having it in there to say the least. I use my own toothbrush for environmental and personal reasons [it’s electric and I prefer it to a disposable manual one] and I got a silly look from one of the other assistants when I pulled it out of my bag haha!
Then after that one of the doctors came over to have a look and see how my bite was and then I was told that they’ve moved quite a bit, but not enough for my lower braces to be put on yet since they’re still waiting for my one tooth to move from behind. I was just changed to a heavier wire, so I’m still wearing my bite plate and I don’t mind not having the bottoms on yet since I’m enjoying being able to brush and floss with ease down there.
I'll update with pictures later tonight.
Then after that one of the doctors came over to have a look and see how my bite was and then I was told that they’ve moved quite a bit, but not enough for my lower braces to be put on yet since they’re still waiting for my one tooth to move from behind. I was just changed to a heavier wire, so I’m still wearing my bite plate and I don’t mind not having the bottoms on yet since I’m enjoying being able to brush and floss with ease down there.
I'll update with pictures later tonight.
Well I never did get around to posting those pictures. I got sidetracked by the fact it was my birthday (I turned 21! yay!) and all the fun that followed that.
I had my second adjustment on the 16th of July. Nothing changed no new wires or anything. They had to take a look at a few of my teeth since I had gotten in an altercation a few days earlier and I was hit in the mouth. Thankfully all is well though for now.
But the big news is that I saw the oral surgeon on July 28th (I managed to get an earlier appointment, whee). Originally my orthodontist didn’t think I’d need a palate expander (which means a SARPE procedure) because my molds matched up pretty well, but the surgeon thinks otherwise. It seems once my braces were put on and my teeth started moving that things aren’t going to line up very well anymore. He took a bunch of measurements of my face and we discussed what’s going to happen with that and how it should be done asap so that I can get to part B which is the bigger more extensive surgery and he answered a bunch of my questions so I could feel a little more at ease.
So I’m scheduled for surgery on October 19th! I’m very nervous. I hate needles and hospitals and I’m very disappointed that I ended up needing this second surgery. And it will also stink because I’ll be in school, but apparently it’s a very simple procedure so I’ll only miss 1 day of school(I got twice a week) and be out of work for two weeks. So I’m not that miffed, I was expecting it to be a lot worse.
Here we go! Haha. I really hope this will all pay off in the end.
And now for some pics! To the left is my teeth at the last adjustment, to the right is this adjustment. =]
I had my second adjustment on the 16th of July. Nothing changed no new wires or anything. They had to take a look at a few of my teeth since I had gotten in an altercation a few days earlier and I was hit in the mouth. Thankfully all is well though for now.
But the big news is that I saw the oral surgeon on July 28th (I managed to get an earlier appointment, whee). Originally my orthodontist didn’t think I’d need a palate expander (which means a SARPE procedure) because my molds matched up pretty well, but the surgeon thinks otherwise. It seems once my braces were put on and my teeth started moving that things aren’t going to line up very well anymore. He took a bunch of measurements of my face and we discussed what’s going to happen with that and how it should be done asap so that I can get to part B which is the bigger more extensive surgery and he answered a bunch of my questions so I could feel a little more at ease.
So I’m scheduled for surgery on October 19th! I’m very nervous. I hate needles and hospitals and I’m very disappointed that I ended up needing this second surgery. And it will also stink because I’ll be in school, but apparently it’s a very simple procedure so I’ll only miss 1 day of school(I got twice a week) and be out of work for two weeks. So I’m not that miffed, I was expecting it to be a lot worse.
Here we go! Haha. I really hope this will all pay off in the end.
And now for some pics! To the left is my teeth at the last adjustment, to the right is this adjustment. =]
Hey Libby and others,
I am new to the site and just wanted to say how relieved I was to find others with the similar problem (mandibular prognathism) - although I hope I am not too late and hope this thread continues. I just wanted to mention my case and extend my support for everyone else. Going way back, I've already had braces twice (I am now 24) and while it sucks, I know exactly what to expect and I am not going to be bummed out that I will look funny - it's a good investment. With that being said, my insurance will no longer cover the price of braces because I have maxed out the $$ for orthodontic treatments which sucks, and the surgery itself isn't covered either. Aside from costs, I have undergone all the preliminary stuff and am getting my bands put on on October 9th and my braces on October 16th. I am excited to start this journey and finish it with few problems if any. Are you guys worried about the surgery at all? What's everyone's status now?
Brandon
I am new to the site and just wanted to say how relieved I was to find others with the similar problem (mandibular prognathism) - although I hope I am not too late and hope this thread continues. I just wanted to mention my case and extend my support for everyone else. Going way back, I've already had braces twice (I am now 24) and while it sucks, I know exactly what to expect and I am not going to be bummed out that I will look funny - it's a good investment. With that being said, my insurance will no longer cover the price of braces because I have maxed out the $$ for orthodontic treatments which sucks, and the surgery itself isn't covered either. Aside from costs, I have undergone all the preliminary stuff and am getting my bands put on on October 9th and my braces on October 16th. I am excited to start this journey and finish it with few problems if any. Are you guys worried about the surgery at all? What's everyone's status now?
Brandon
It's all happening!
Heya!
I had my third adjustment a few weeks ago and they put on a heavier wire. I'm getting my lowers put on October 7th.
I'm still scheduled to have surgery on October 19th, but I may postpone it depending on whether or not I get cast in the play my school is doing since it will conflict with my performance schedule and with my voice.
I'm absolutely terrified about the surgery to be honest. I'm phobic of needles and hospitals and I definitely don't like the idea of having devices in my mouth. But I just have to deal with it since it's an investment in myself.
I recently broke my camera, so I can't update with any pictures until I purchase a new one. Hopefully soon. =]
I had my third adjustment a few weeks ago and they put on a heavier wire. I'm getting my lowers put on October 7th.
I'm still scheduled to have surgery on October 19th, but I may postpone it depending on whether or not I get cast in the play my school is doing since it will conflict with my performance schedule and with my voice.
I'm absolutely terrified about the surgery to be honest. I'm phobic of needles and hospitals and I definitely don't like the idea of having devices in my mouth. But I just have to deal with it since it's an investment in myself.
I recently broke my camera, so I can't update with any pictures until I purchase a new one. Hopefully soon. =]
Hey Libby,
Good luck with the surgery! So this is a first surgery and then in about a year or so from now you'll have the actual jaw surgery? Do you know if they have to operate on both top and bottom? I originally thought they would need to widen my top but they said they didn't. Apparently I will just have lower jaw surgery and maybe genioplasty (sp?). Are they going to knock you out for the first surgery?
I actually postponed getting braces and starting this procedure for similar reasons; I play in a band (I don't sing, but it's not exactly good for the image). But this is a priority so I have to suck it up. I will do my best to keep you posted and if I get my camera I will start posting progress. Do you know anyone else in this forum going through a similar procedure?
Good luck with the surgery! So this is a first surgery and then in about a year or so from now you'll have the actual jaw surgery? Do you know if they have to operate on both top and bottom? I originally thought they would need to widen my top but they said they didn't. Apparently I will just have lower jaw surgery and maybe genioplasty (sp?). Are they going to knock you out for the first surgery?
I actually postponed getting braces and starting this procedure for similar reasons; I play in a band (I don't sing, but it's not exactly good for the image). But this is a priority so I have to suck it up. I will do my best to keep you posted and if I get my camera I will start posting progress. Do you know anyone else in this forum going through a similar procedure?
It's all happening!
Thanks! Yup, as far as I know that's how things will go. I'll be under anesthesia for both procedures and for now it only concerns my top jaw. There doesn't seem to be any issues with my bottom jaw, but who knows what can arise between now and then.
I've browsed through some of the surgery threads on here so I know there are some others having similar procedures. I know my first procedure is a "SARPE" (surgically assisted rapid palate expansion) and my second procedure is a "reconstruction midface lefort I two pieces segment movement in any direction".
Good luck with your braces Zeek. I felt the same way since I'm a theater major and part of my degree requires performances but it will be worth it on so many levels. =]
I've browsed through some of the surgery threads on here so I know there are some others having similar procedures. I know my first procedure is a "SARPE" (surgically assisted rapid palate expansion) and my second procedure is a "reconstruction midface lefort I two pieces segment movement in any direction".
Good luck with your braces Zeek. I felt the same way since I'm a theater major and part of my degree requires performances but it will be worth it on so many levels. =]
Bit of an update --
I had my lower arch braced in October, that went nicely and I had no major issues. I'll have to post pictures soon. I've had two adjustments since then but nothing major.
I was originally supposed to have my SARPE on October 19th, but I had to reschedule it til January 25th since I was cast in a show and too many issues would of arisen. Well it turns out the surgeon is out of town that week and they failed to notify me until yesterday so my surgery has been pushed back until March 8th[so I get to spend Spring Break in bed, joy. ] I really just want to get both of my surgeries out of the way. The sooner I have the SARPE the sooner I can have the other.
My next adjustment is in a few weeks so I will post another update then with some new pictures. There's been a lot of movement. =]
I had my lower arch braced in October, that went nicely and I had no major issues. I'll have to post pictures soon. I've had two adjustments since then but nothing major.
I was originally supposed to have my SARPE on October 19th, but I had to reschedule it til January 25th since I was cast in a show and too many issues would of arisen. Well it turns out the surgeon is out of town that week and they failed to notify me until yesterday so my surgery has been pushed back until March 8th[so I get to spend Spring Break in bed, joy.
] I really just want to get both of my surgeries out of the way. The sooner I have the SARPE the sooner I can have the other.My next adjustment is in a few weeks so I will post another update then with some new pictures. There's been a lot of movement. =]
10 Month Update!
Here are some new pics:
Right Side
Left Side
Upper Arch
Lower Arch
I was supposed to have a SARPE procedure done on Monday, but at the last minute insistence of my orthodontist I had new molds taken and he decided that a SARPE was unnecessary and that the effect I needed could be achieved non surgically.
This also brings me to the exciting news that I'll be having my main jaw surgery in August with an anticipated debracing of May 2011. I am very excited.
Right Side
Left Side
Upper Arch
Lower Arch
I was supposed to have a SARPE procedure done on Monday, but at the last minute insistence of my orthodontist I had new molds taken and he decided that a SARPE was unnecessary and that the effect I needed could be achieved non surgically.
This also brings me to the exciting news that I'll be having my main jaw surgery in August with an anticipated debracing of May 2011. I am very excited.
GOOD LUCK with your treatment :D
HI Libby!
Like u, i also had class 3 underbite and my teeth arrangement was worse than yours many times over.. i got it done (albeith wif some issues) and it's fine now! u can view my thread : Rare sight! Overcrowded teeth on braces
Like u, i also had class 3 underbite and my teeth arrangement was worse than yours many times over.. i got it done (albeith wif some issues) and it's fine now! u can view my thread : Rare sight! Overcrowded teeth on braces
