I attended a new dentist about 4 years ago, and she recommended that I look into Invisalign braces. She gave me a leaflet, which I promptly filed at home, vowing that I would look into it when I could afford to look into it.
Then, during the Spring of 2006, I had my first visit with a new dentist, Dr.H, and it set me on my braces journey. He informed me that Invisilign just wouldn't cut it, as I had quite serious problems to be addressed. You see, as a child living in the UK, I had four teeth removed to prevent crowding. Thirty-something years later, my teeth on top and bottom bend inwards, making my mouth look sunken-in, and I have a 100%+ overbite, making my bottom jaw look very short.
Dr.H recommended an orthodontist, Dr.C, and we (my Husband - Dave and I) paid him a visit. Dr.C recommended metal braces for 20-24 months, and, for the best result possible, opening up spaces for 4 implants, to replace the ones I lost as a child.
I was certain that I wanted the braces, but I didn't make any immediate decisions about the implants, as the cost is challenging, to say the least. But the more I discussed things with my husband, the more convinced I became that I should go the whole hog and have the implants. I just didn't want to get to the end of being braced and wish that I'd also had the implants, especially as I have been very self-concious about my collapsing mouth for quite some time. I have to say, I am very lucky, as Dave was very supportive of my decision. I have a flex spending account at work, and we figured out a way to make the payments as painless as possible.
You might think that I was silly to take the opinion of the first ortho I visited, without seeking other recommendations. Well, I COMPLETELY trust my dentist, Dr.H, who is the best I have ever had, and he recommended Dr.C, my ortho, and Dr. O, my oral surgeon. When I met with the ortho and the oral surgeon, I felt increasingly comfortable and certain that they were the professionals I wanted to work with. On top of that, all three, Drs H, C, and O work together regularly, and are committed to constant communication regarding their patients' treatment plans. And the staff in their offices are fabulous. Also, the children of a colleague of mine uses Dr. C, and they love him, and I found reference to his work on the web: it was described as "expensive but the results are outstanding."
In November I had a final wisdom tooth removed (a breeze), and on January 22, I was finally braced. Because of my extreme overbite, the ortho built up ceramic posts on my molars, so that I don't break my bottom wires. Everything went smoothly, and I didn't feel any real pain until the following day. By the third day, the only trouble I had was with rubbing on the inside of my mouth. I quickly discovered the importance of wax and water.
I have had problems chewing, as my ceramic posts don't allow my teeth to meet. However, I have been increasingly creative in coming up with interesting soft food combo options. As time has passed, I've become more adept at mashing things around my mouth, and have gradually built up to more solid foods. Last night I had pizza (Oh praise be, what a delight, what a treat.)
I had been a bit bummed that I didn't seem to be making as much progress as so many of you message board posters, but last week I finally felt things open up. I now have real gaps where the ortho placed springs - and they are big enough that, on Saturday, while driving in the car, my husband did a double-take, and informed me that they were now really obvious. I feel so much more positive now that I know things are actually happening, and I can't wait to get on with the rest of the journey.
Incidentally, on Saturday I also had my fist encounter with spinach. What a laugh, what a mess!
I will post photos when I can figure out how to post photos.
He's even been working on easy-chew food options for me: my favorite is his shredded chicken curry 
She laughed and told me not to worry, and that she is expecting to have to get some braces herself as she had refused to wear her retainer as a teenager, and then she told me "well done!"
It's funny how much more they appear to move when I play with them using my tongue versus using my finger. 
!
At least it's not forever.
