I am 40. I have had severely crowded teeth my whole life and I had two consultations in my 20s. First time I was told I needed jaw surgery, four extractions, 3 years. Second doc told me 2.5 years, no jaw surgery, two extractions. I went so far as to have molds with the 2nd doc and chickened out. ! Also, could not really afford it.
Now, I took my girl (eight years old) for her first phase of treatment and decided I was going to take the plunge with her and we're mommy/daughter braces twins. My prescription - no surgery, 18 months, two extractions. Ceramic top, metal bottom.
I was braced on 5/13, then had extractions and full wire placed 5/26/09 (my son's 4th birthday!)
The worst part for me is I now have a "rogue" tooth and it isn't bracketed and it renders me virtually unable to bite as my lower arch smacks against it. But it's correcting and I will post that too.
Thanks - I don't post much but this board is a lot of encouragement. I'm mostly super positive as I've dreamed of this my whole life. But this week, I had a really dark couple days of discouragement about it.
I am getting married Labor Day weekend, and I really hoped my gaps would be further closed. Ortho predicted 2/3 closed by Labor Day and I am skeptical. But I had power chains on 6/24 and they are working ... I think.
Kelli
