Acklay's Experience with Braces

[Cyborg]

I wonder the same thing about the white ligatures, but I'm rocking light blue like you! Want black and red next. My first time flossing took me 15 minutes, because I didn't have the threader floss [torture]. But with the threader it takes me about 2 minutes now and I just got my braces on Monday. I understand falling out of motivation after a while. I haven't hit that point yet, but I keep hearing that it goes by so fast, so I look forward to seeing the end results!

~new to archwired!
Age 25

[GillyWeed]

Acklay, how's it going??? You had your 2nd adjustment a couple days ago, right? What happened?

Update needed!

[Acklay]

Sorry, my updates have been considerably less frequent. I think it's because the newness of braces has kind of worn off. Yea I had my adjustment last Tuesday. They put a thicker wire on the top and they scheduled me for the 31st of this month to get my bottom brackets put on. I have noticed some improvement on the top, and I'll be glad to get the bottom teeth moving. I had some pain after the adjustment for about 2 days, but I'm feeling good now. I actually ate steak for supper a couple of days ago, so chewing is not an issue whatsoever. I have also gotten really good at getting food unstuck from the braces using my tongue.

I'll try and remember to post some pictures later on, but I am extremely busy at the moment.

[GillyWeed]

Hey there,

Just wanted to wish you luck on Tuesday, though I know you don't need it. How'd your light blue ligs hold up? Mine turned bright green and then settled to a dark teal-like colour lol. So I probably won't be trying that colour again anytime soon... Anyways I know the newness and excitement of the braces has worn off considerably but please do make an update (WITH PICTURES) once you get those lowers on, I will do the same.

[Acklay]

Sounds good. I'll make sure to post an update.

The light blue ligs did just fine, though I didn't eat anything that would really cause staining with the exception of some coffee. I've had dark blue for the last 3 weeks and it has been my favorite color so far. On Tuesday I think I'm going to do something completely different - alternating orange and light green. I got the idea from two of my friends. One has orange at the moment and the other has green. I just think the two colors would look interesting together.

I am very excited to be getting the lower brackets on. It will finally feel like these things are accomplishing something. I almost feel like my bottom teeth have gotten worse as my top ones have straightened out. I can definitely tell my top teeth are in better alignment!

I know this is what my orthodontist was going for, but it is a bit weird feeling - I now have a slight open bite. She told me that my bite would have to open up some before she could put on the bottom brackets, but it just feels weird not being able to bring my top and bottom teeth together in the front. At least I know things have moved!

I'll try to remember and keep updates coming.

[GillyWeed]

I'm finally feeling it Acklay, things hurt lol! Good luck today, let us know how it turns out!

[Acklay]

I was feeling it last night. The bottoms ones definitely hurt more than the top! This morning it isn't as bad, but I'll be struggling to eat lunch at work. I may not get around to it tonight, but I'll try and get some pictures posted tomorrow. I went with something a bit different for my lig colors...

[GillyWeed]

Can't wait to see them!

[GillyWeed]

I totallyy get that you're busy but please dude, an update. I wanna see them new colours!

[Acklay]

Yea sorry, I forgot about posting that update.

I've pretty much got the braces routine down now. Go to adjustment, hurt for a day, wait a few weeks, go for adjustment, etc. Nothing really exciting anymore. I assume this will all change when I get elastics... not sure when that is coming, but I was told I'll be eventually getting them.

As far as eating, nothing is off-limits. I have managed to eat everything from popcorn to steak to Doritos to nuts to chewy candy. I know I'm not supposed to eat that stuff but no harm has come from it yet. I am careful to chew in such a way that I don't break anything.

At my last adjustment I got my bottom brackets put on, so that was something different. I decided to go a bit more bold with the lig colors - orange and green. I like the multi-colored look so next adjustment I'll be doing alternating colors again. Haven't decided what colors to go with exactly, but it'll be something bright.

Here's the latest pictures:
(You can click on the pictures to view them full size)

[Acklay]

WOW! I hadn't compared before and after pictures since I got my braces over 3 months ago. I am shocked to see how much movement I've had!

Before:





Now:





I just got my bottom brackets, so those teeth haven't moved much yet. And there is still a bite issue to deal with, but I am extremely happy with my progress so far!

[Angel269]

Great progress so far on the uppers Acklay

The green and orange looks cool-Kinda making me think of halloween or those orange and green tic tacs (sorry if that sounded really random!)

[AM21]

Your uppers are looking great, Acklay! I also like the green and orange ligs, they're cool! =]

[GillyWeed]

Wild lig colours! They look great

And your results so far are AMAZING!!! What a beautiful top arch you have. lookin' good

[bustachaina]

Wow! They're looking great. Can't wait to see what it looks like in the end.