Hi New to this site

[lulupops]

Wow what a fab site. Im 37 yrs old mother of two and live in Norwich England. I have had my braces on for 15 weeks and counting. I had four wisdom teeth removed amd my teeth werent that crooked just had a bit of overcrowding top and bottom. My decision to have metal braces fitted was probably due to the fact that I work in a dental surgery which specialises in adult orthodontics...and I wanted the perfect smile!!!! OMG I didnt think it would be as hard as this, it took me a good five weeks to get use to having the braces on I suffered really badly from ulcers and had to have a course of antibiotics for constant cold sores..umm attractive!!! My best friend became wax and in the first 6 weeks I lost 8 pounds in weight!!! 15 weeks in and things are defo easier I am lucky enough to have ortho chks every 4 to 5 weeks and actually have only one more wire to go!!! I had elastics fitted two weeks ago which I hated straight away but actually got use to them really quickly I have to keep them on all the time except for cleaning teeth which I must do at least five times a day!!!! We also have a lot of kids come into the practise on NHS ortho and it amazes me how much easier they seem to find the whole thing of having and dealing with braces it makes me fell like a real baby!!!! I have my next check in a couple of weeks but defo finding it easier as time goes by im really pleased that I decided to have braces but boy its been hard at times and I cant wait for that debond appointment xxx

[jem]

Hi Lulu,

Do orthodontists encourage their staff to get braces? Do you get it done free or at a a discount?

The treatment co-ordinator with whom I spoke before I got my brace talked about her experience with adult braces and the dental nurse who helped in the fitting of my brace and who advised me on brushing, pain relief etc afterwards also had metal braces. I have to say I found it comforting/encouraging to have support from people in my ortho's office who had personal experience of braces as well as professional.

Good luck with your treatment.

Jem

[klhnz]

Thanks for sharing your story... I'm a newbie to the whole braces thing. I'm a 37y Mum from NZ. I had metal bottom braces put on and its only day 6 for me. I am struggling to adjust and have a mouthful of ulcers and a cut up tongue. My mouth feels bulky and it's been a challenge to say the least.
All the best on your journey.

[lulupops]

Hi Jem. Thank you for your kind message luckily I havent had to pay for any treatment although I have certainly got enough people interested in having braces and who have gone on to have treatment I think it defo makes people feel safer and more confident if they see me (at my age) welcoming them with a mouth full of metal!!!
KLHNZ....bear with it I promise you there is light at the end of the tunnel I suffered terribly with ulcers and coldsores the best remedy I found for ulcers was a gel called Genigel....amazing stuff and make sure you use lots of wax for the first couple of weeks I really didnt think I could bare the pain anymore but I had a good talking to myself along the lines of "my god u have two children who you went through labour with YOU can deal with this" and I did I wouldnt say its easy 14 weeks in but it is much more bearable and once you start to see your teeth starting to move it gives you so much encouragement...keep going my friend it will be worth it!!!! xxx

[klhnz]

Hey ... thanks for your encouragement... us Mums need to stick together. I'm feeling slightly better today... Still sore but its less than yesterday so that a bonus. One day at a time aye!

[lulupops]

Well 5 months in and its all going pretty well....had my elastics on for the last six weeks was dreading having them but suprisingly they've been ok I actually find the braces more comforatble and less painful with the elastics on...dont know if this is normal or just me. I have a ortho check in 4 weeks time and the last wire will be fitted I know this one will be pretty painful as its the thicker wire stainless steel I think or well will be losing a few more pounds. Keep smiling everybody we will get there!! xxxx

[bigeyed1]

hi lulupops, did you say that you got your braces for free?? how!? Im from England, Bham, and really want braces but can't atm because of how expensive they are...

[lulupops]

I work in a private orthodontist and am part of their ortho team....so a perk of the job x

[Angel269]

Hi Lulupops

I'm 24 and am in the UK. I also a mum too (mum of one-14 month old boy).

I'm 2 1/2 months into an 8 month treatment to close my upper diastema. I have clear ceramics with coated archwire though-wouldn't have been brave enough for the metal look! I'm lucky enough that no one notices my braces. I do have a removable bite plate to address my deep bite as part of my treatment.

Look forward to seeing photos and hearing more as your treatment progresses.