My story.. I'm 25 from Australia and have a gap in my front teeth and an open bite. The gap has bothered me since I became conscious of it (read - teased about it!). I probably became obsessed with the gap and see it everywhere (and only with negative connotations!) eg. when they are portraying a hillbilly on tv, they have a gap! Cartoon characters who are a bit dopey (sponge bob, some character from cars)? A gap! My obsession with the gap and how people perceive gappy people like me has caused me undue stress in social situations for some time now. I don't like opening my mouth because I fear people will instantly judge. I know this all sounds like I have very little faith in humanity but that's not the case. I realize that that I have inflated the importance of the gap and my behaviours and cues probably cause more judgements than my smile. Regardless, I've known for some time now that the gap had to go. The open bite is something that, while I noticed when eating (I can't bite through a sandwich properly etc) I never knew it was necessarily defective until I was told that it can be fixed.
I went to four different ortho's and was told a bunch of different things. I had my heart set on Invisalign but this was not to be for me. I went with the one I got the best feel from and booked in for porcelain braces on top and bottom.
I had my appointment to get them on today and while everything went fine there were a couple of things that were unexpected. The staff did all the prep only to tell me that the Dr who was doing the braces wasn't the Dr I had my consult with. I was a little cranky about it as I had all the gear in my mouth and then in comes this Dr I have never met to apply the braces. Ahhh! Did I mention I don't like surprises?
When I got home I checked out my mouth and was a little shocked to see metal brackets in there. You can't see them, they are only on the very back teeth (top and bottom) and the metal itself doesn't bother me.. I am just a bit confused as to the charges as I paid for two arches of porcelain... Is this normal? Do they always use metal on the back even when you pay for porcelain/ceramic etc?
I'm also not even sure what kind of brackets I have.. When I asked last time which type I will get they told me Ormco Inspire Ice. I don't think that I have these though because while the ones I have are clear, they do not appear to have the little rubber bands (ligs?) that I was so worried about having to keep stain free. So now I'm not sure if they are the self ligating ones or what! I also have what they said was a powerchain but it looks very small, on my front two gappy teeth. The powerchain is clear so should I be concerned about staining this? I'm a big tea drinker.
Anyhow. I had a bit of discomfort earlier but nothing too bad. Everyone seems to say day two onwards can be a little painful but I'm ready to go (she says now, pain free..)! I'm hoping for progress like Bec There
I'll be updating with pics when I can work out how to post
I can feel your excitement! Congrats! 
I am excited about my teeth moving (that's what all this pain is about, right?!) but there seems to be a constant ache in my mouth since late yesterday. I also have some sore cheeks. Ok, enough feeling sorry for myself for now! On a brighter note, I am pleased with how the braces look and I'm not too self conscious about them when out.
