Desmond's Braces Journey (Pics)

[resort454]

Howdy,

Everyone my name Is Desmond i am 24 years old and I am about to begin the journey of braces. I say that because it has come to the point where I have paid money and signed contracts. But really I have considered braces for years because I have a rather pronounced gap in my 2 front teeth due to tongue thrusting that over the years and that gap has gone wider and wider. So I took the plunge and decided to get braces.

I choose to go with a cosmetic dentist rather than a licensed orthodontist. This was due mainly to the thousands of dollars less Dr. Zee was willing to charge. After reading some of the things on this site and hearing my regular dentists pleas of "buyer beware," I am worried that she will not do as good as a regular orthodontist. But during the consultation she seemed very confident in her abilities and their website had a lot of pictures of happily braced people.

After the consultation and records I was scheduled for spacers and I got those today. They kind of hurt but I are bearable. Next week I am going in to get the brackets put on. I am so nervous but happy I will soon have the smile that I want. I will have metal on top and bottom I guess. This is going to be a substantial life change but so worth it and it feels so nice to be in touch with other folks out there who are going through the same thing.

[resort454]

Pics Coming soon.

One of my spacers fell out last night, I called the doc to get it put back on and they cant get me in till next thursday. bummer

[Domino]

Hi Desmond! Congrats on making the big decision! I'm getting my braces on tomorrow

I know a lot of people on the forums will say to make sure to see an orthodontist rather than a dentist, but that is a general guideline (though a good one if you're not sure!). If you trust the dentist in question and know they'll do a good job, then that's fine!

My orthodontist isn't technically a licensed orthodontist either, but he is trained and has had over 20 years of experience. He also assists with teaching orthodontistry at a hospital! So I think what's important is whether they are competent, have experience, and have a good record with past patients. And what's most important of all is if you like them. I believe my orthodontist is one of the best, so the fact that it only says 'Dentist' on his name plaque doesn't really mean much.

Good luck next week! Looking forward to seeing your pics

[resort454]

I go in for my braces today. I am very nervous and hope it goes smoothly. I went a bit overboard last night playing basketball and now every joint in my body aches. Plus in the last week 2 of my spacers fell out. I cant stop thinking how signifigant of a change the next 15 months will be...



Pica coming soon folks I am busy and figured id wait till the braces were in to post

[Kirsten2011]

Hello Desmond
Welcome to the world of braces i should say!! How did the appointment go and how do you feel now that you have them on? I have had my braces on for just over a year now and enjoying it... despite the occassional twinge and discomfort.
Well good luck and I look forward to reading your progress over the months to come!!
Cheers from Cape Town, RSA

[elseegee64]

How's it going Desmond? I'm on week one with my braces. My first 24-hours I had some discomfort. I'm still trying to get used to these things.

[resort454]

Thanks for all the replies friends! I went in today around 3pm to get the braces fitted, Dr. Zee showed me my molds and described her treatment plan. I was nervous still because she is just a cosmetic dentist and not an orthodontist but when I got there she showed me pictures of a patient who had the exact same case as mine. Dr. She plans to focus on the top for the first 3 months and then put the bottoms in. Once we were ready to go she went to get the molar bands on and unfortunately because one of the spacers fell out on the first day they were unable to put the molar bands on the top right side. So she just put the molar band on the left side and thicker spacers on the right. Next week when I go in I am going to get the right molar band put on and all the brackets.

I am bummed out that she couldn't get the braces fitted today but waiting one more week is not to huge of a deal.

The molar band on my left feels strange. It tastes like metal and cement and rubs on my cheek pretty good. I put a glob of wax on the part hitting my cheek and it doesn't rub. I'm sure before long I wont feel it at all anymore.

Pics coming soon.

[elseegee64]

Once we were ready to go she went to get the molar bands on and unfortunately because one of the spacers fell out on the first day they were unable to put the molar bands on the top right side.

The molar band on my left feels strange. It tastes like metal and cement and rubs on my cheek pretty good. I put a glob of wax on the part hitting my cheek and it doesn't rub. I'm sure before long I wont feel it at all anymore.

Aagghh. I'm finishing week two with braces - I go in tomorrow to get the molar bands on both sides. Ive had spacers in for almost 2 weeks, which sometimes stick out and I'm sticking them back in; I hope those bands get in tomorrow!