I'm going to get braces this year!

[NeilH]

I went for an adjustment today and can certainly say the end is in sight. I had some IPR done on the bottom incisors to both allow two that were slightly overlapping to straighten and to enable some bends in the wire to tip the lower front teeth in a little bit to stop them touching the inside of the top incisors when I bit fully down. Both powerchains were replaced but this time only one on the top rather than the usual two so hopefully less food will get stuck now. I'm hoping they start to rotate the pre-molar that is slightly out of alignment next time but apart from that, I'm running out of things that need doing hence the end seems so very close now. I went for alternating teal and grey modules on the top and grey on the bottom (pretty boring) but as I have some events coming up, didn't want to get too adventurous this time. Here's hoping I still have enough appointments left to explore all the colour choices I have been putting off.

[border]

I am looking into getting braces again within this year! I had them as a kid in grade school, but didn't wear my retainer so I am looking to get them again. Good luck!

[NeilH]

It's amazing how two very tiny bends in the wire (and I mean tiny) can cause so much aching. Just thought I would share this.

[newbite]

I'm sorry you're in pain but it's good to hear those bends can make a difference! My ortho is leaving at least one problem tooth to the "bend" stage and I've been very skeptical that can fix it. I hope your pain eases soon (or already has)!

[NeilH]

I'm sorry you're in pain but it's good to hear those bends can make a difference! My ortho is leaving at least one problem tooth to the "bend" stage and I've been very skeptical that can fix it. I hope your pain eases soon (or already has)!

Hi newbite, the pain disappeared within a day and everything returned to normal pretty quickly. The wire bends are really tiny and will achieve very small movements that I am going to more likely feel than see so hopefully by the next appointment, the various teeth will have moved into the correct positions.

[NeilH]

I can't believe it, today is my two year braces anniversary! It hardly seems like yesterday that I started so where these two years have gone I don't know. So for some two year reflections:

1. I don't know why I didn't start this sooner, it's been such a terrific experience with great progress so if you are still thinking about it, just do it, you won't regret it.

2. I'm still delighted with my choice of metal brackets and given the chance to rewind the clock wouldn't have made a different choice.

3. It has had no negative impact on my professional, personal or social life and all my pre-brace fears were totally unfounded. It has been a really positive experience.

4. I'm delighted with the care and attention I have received from my orthodontic practice and enjoy attending all appointments.

5. I have enjoyed recording my progress through my blog and in photographs during the last two years and have found it to be a rewarding exercise. I still find it hard to believe that over 17,000 people have read my story. I really enjoy reading all the comments left on my page.

6. Elastics were no bother at all and produced some great results really quickly. I'm enjoying experimenting with different coloured modules (black is still my favourite!).

I will post some photos in the next couple of days.

[Loopyman76]

I've enjoyed reading your story (and others on this site). I have an appointment for June 5th (just 3 more weeks) to get my braces! I'm excited and ready to get this train rolling! I, too, wish I had done this sooner but I'm glad I'm finally getting it done. Congrats on your progress!

[NeilH]

I've enjoyed reading your story (and others on this site). I have an appointment for June 5th (just 3 more weeks) to get my braces! I'm excited and ready to get this train rolling! I, too, wish I had done this sooner but I'm glad I'm finally getting it done. Congrats on your progress!

Thank you. 5th June is a great day to get braces, it's my birthday! Good luck.

[tartanhabit]

Wow, how inspiring. I have just skimmed through here - there's a lot of progress and a long journey! Bravo you

[NeilH]

Wow, how inspiring. I have just skimmed through here - there's a lot of progress and a long journey! Bravo you

Thank you! It's been a long road but a great experience.

[NeilH]

Time for a quick update photo.

[NeilH]

I have just returned from another appointment. All very relaxing and informative as usual and I had a lovely chat with one of the therapists who is just wonderful. Some more minor wire bending to further tip my lower incisors and another new bend in the top wire to slightly change the angle of one of the front teeth. I still have powerchains on both top and bottom and an additional piece of elastic to start rotating the lower pre molar that isn't quite lined up correctly. I gave the therapist free choice of colour and she very thoughtfully went for a combination of dusty and light blue. Next adjustment in four weeks but the end is most definitely in sight.

[NeilH]

image.jpg

[Loopyman76]

I've enjoyed reading your story (and others on this site). I have an appointment for June 5th (just 3 more weeks) to get my braces! I'm excited and ready to get this train rolling! I, too, wish I had done this sooner but I'm glad I'm finally getting it done. Congrats on your progress!

Thank you. 5th June is a great day to get braces, it's my birthday! Good luck.

I realize I'm almost 2 weeks late, but I hope you had an AWESOME birthday! My birthday is next week (let's hear it for the JUNE babies). LOL!

And yes, June 5th was a great day. Got my braces. WOOHOO!

[metalliKa]

I just read your story and was appalled by the action of your initial ortho. Why didn't he refer you to another ortho to finish your treatment when he closed his practice?!!! It's like he took your money and ran! I hope you were able to get partial reimbursement.

And Happy Belated Birthday to you from another June baby!