Grutty's story: braced at 40 - NEW three month pics page 3

[iamtheotherme]

It is reassuring to know that you are going through the same stage that I am, I guess they have to spread our teeth out to untangle them before they pull them in?

That's almost exactly how my ortho described the "getting worse before it gets better" stage. I think he used the word "unravel" instead of "untangle," but that whole process of spreading everything to bring it all together correctly is the same (and completely annoying). Are you having any IPR done?

I go for the third adjustment Monday. I gotta ask about moving Cletus Tooth and his neighbors into place. I'm afraid I'm going to do myself a mischief.

[catfish]

Hi Grutty,

Thanks for stopping by my story! I just got caught up with yours, and I have to congratulate you on your progress. The change in your upper front teeth is amazing! You are definitely going to have a beatiful smile when you're done.

I have the same concern about my teeth splaying out, but I talked to my ortho and he's working to bring them back in now. I think you're right about it getting worse before it gets better. I can't wait for it to be all better!

Congrats again on your progress so far!

[Grutty]

So it has been a little over 3 months since brace day, I had my third adjustment yesterday. I got a new wire on the top, my first non-bendy wire, my bottom arch got a thick rectangular wire at the last adjustment.

The good news is that I am finally used to my braces, I dont really notice them anymore, except for after meals when there is food hanging from them.

The bad news is that I am not seeing clear progress anymore, and that is making me a little nervous. Here are my teeth at 2 months



and here they are now at 3 months



My front teeth were really straightening out at 2 months, but now they look like they are moving back into their old position, and one is sticking out more than the other. In fact, the whole right side of my upper arch is sticking out more than the left side. My open bite is getting worse (I am biting down in both photos) and it looks like my bottom teeth are slanting down.

I am hoping this is all part of the "worse before it gets better" stage, but I must admit it worries me.

I keep reminding myself that at least my teeth look better than they did before braces,



Yike! It is easy to forget what they looked like just 3 months ago! Hopefully they will look even better in another 3 months.

[almost50]

That's quite amazing for only 3 months!

[Flaka]

Hey Grutty,

Your teeth have aligned nicely. I do see progress there. Looking at month 1 compared to month 3, there is a lot of movement going on.

Working on fixing a bite is more difficult to just straighten teeth out. I would love to trade places with you now

I have been in the â€

[Grutty]

Hi Flaka, I am sorry that you are having problems with your bite, I have seen your photos so I know what you are talking about. Did you decide to get a second opinion? It might be worth it just for your peace of mind. I already have an ortho picked out for a second opinion, just in case I need one farther along into my treatment.

Hang in there, my brace friend, hopefully our results will make all of this worrying worthwhile!

Almost50, thanks! I think I was spoiled by my fast early progress, I was hoping to have perfect looking teeth in just a few more months.

[Grutty]

Yay, the forum is back! Thank you Bbsadmin! Hi everyone, I missed you!

I have been in braces for almost 5 months now, here are the photos from my 4 month adjustment:



I think the big gap on the bottom is FINALLY starting to get a little smaller, but other than that, I dont see much difference. The biggest change was this:



My first elastic! My ortho glued a "button" on the back of one of my teeth, and I hook the elastic on that and over the hook on the front of my bottom tooth. This is to try to correct my cross bite and open bite.

The elastic crosses over my teeth, and I keep unconsciously chewing it. I have been snapping bands like crazy.

I have my next adjustment in a week, hopefully I wont be getting another elastic right away, since I have finally gotten used to this one.

I hope everyone else is doing well, I must go read everyone's update!

[real2]

Wow... only 5 months and your teeth are not only straight, but your smile went from a U to a C-shape

AND you had a gap close (I'm waiting for mine to close )


VERY nice

[Flaka]

Hi Grutty,

Your progress is amazing, your teeth have aligned so nicely. I wear the same elastic configuration on my right side for a crossbite as well.
I hear ya on the elastic thing.... I keep unconsciously chewing it as well and for some reason I like doing it I go through a lot of elastics in a day.

Hope your next adjustment goes well

[braceface23]

hi i came across your story, i just want to say congrats on your progress your teeth look amazing, I will be getting my clear braces in the next 2 weeks also, after seeing your progress i can't wait to get them now. wish me luck!!!!