bbbards's story

[bbbards]

So I thought it was about time I shared some pictures of progress so far.

To recap, I'm a 32 year old from the UK. I got upper-braced in November 2011 and lower-braced three months later. I was dreading getting my braces so I did not take any before pictures...annoyingly.

I was driven to get braced after years of hating my upper snaggle tooth. It stuck out so much and I hated it (just realised I'm talking in past tense...thats exciting!). Every check up my dentist would also nag me...I mean advise in a caring manner...about doing something to straighten them. Added to that my parents would also, helpfully, bring it up at every opportunity.

After my sister-in-law got invisalign I was spurred into action. Surely I could get the same treatment right? No. The Ortho very clearly said I would need the full works. And so after agonising over it for a few weeks I thought f*ck it. I went for it.

What's missing in the picture are the tears...yes I cried after getting it fitted...before I left the ortho...surrounded by 12 year olds way braver than me...to my shame.

[BetsyBug]

Welcome Bbbards!! I'm sorry it was so hard to get your braces on ))hugs(( I'm glad to hear that things are getting better and you can talk about your wonky tooth in the past tense

[bbbards]

Thanks BetsyBug!

Its funny, I was so concerned about my snaggle tooth it didn't even occur to me that my lower teeth were a mess. Now they've started to straighten out I'm obsessed with them...strange.

So how long have you got to go? How well has treatment gone for you?

[BetsyBug]

My estimate for treatment is 18-24 months, so I guess I have about a year give or take a few months. I have had some ups and down with my treatment, the bite turbos were terrible, but nothing that I haven't been able to manage. I'll tell you I was/am obsessed with my lowers as well, but my lowers were the worst of the crowding that I had so I guess its natural I would obsess about them more.
My new adventure with elastics started today so I'll have to get back with you on those...LOL. So far not too bad but I premedicated before going in for my adjustment so I'm sure I will have full on elastic soreness when I get up in the morning. (wish me luck)

My best piece of advice roll with the punches and have fun with it. I have decided to embrace colored ligs

[bbbards]

Time for another update. I'm to be debraced in under 12 hours. It's unbelievably exciting!!!! And also a little unreal.

I've not posted for aaaages. So I thought to while away some time counting down to the big moment I would post some progress piccies.......

February 2012

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March 2012

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April 2012

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[bbbards]

....continued....

May 2012

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June 2012

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September 2012

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[bbbards]

...continued....

March 2013

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April 2013

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[bbbards]

So some reflections on my time!
- its a struggle to keep teeth stain free when you drink coffee, smoke cigarettes and drink red wine
- having to clean teeth after every eating event is a pain in the £@*%
- don't forgo lipstick; slap it on regardless of the braces
- i enjoyed playing with the brackets way too much - so much so that the opening for the wires is loose on some (not that i'll admit its my fault to the ortho)
- i am now obsessed with everyone's teeth - assessing their straightness/crookedness/whiteness/who's had work done and what type
- wires in mouth = painful ulcers
- smiling with your mouth closed and in an attractive manner does not come easy for some
- it's amazing how unobservant people are when you think it's the most obvious thing ever
- I hate my braces but...
- it's been worth it

[debinator]

Awesome!

[rhibee83]

Fantastic good luck for your debanding! Post some final pics

[Tobilei]

Awesome They're looking great! Would also love bebanded pics Congratuatlions on finishing your time in braces! So exciting!

[SunshineRay]

Congrats on being done!

[bbbards]

And here is the final result...

April 2013 - 531 days after bracing....

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Suffice to say I am very happy. De-bracing went smoothly. I've got a bonded retainer on upper and lower which feels fine. I fear the removal retainer for night time wearing may take a little getting used to but hey, if I managed to forget about tonnes of metal in my mouth I will conquer it I'm sure.

So that's it now from me. To all those braced up and those just about to get braced I wish you well. It is worth it.

[Tobilei]

Yay! You have a lovely smile Good to know the permanent retainer isn't bothering you much. I have to decide if I want one or not and keep going back and forth on it.

[rhibee83]

YAYYY!!! Well done!!! Your teeth look great! I am still deciding on a bonded retainer as well, a few people at my work have one, so maybe I will, it might give me peace of mind