4 extractions and a little Bracey!

[Helly]

So today is a huge day for me. It's brace day!

I previously posted a little background but I basically had 4 extractions (premolars) to make space for my overcrowded teeth. The main overcrowding is on the bottom and I have a canine which came in behind another tooth so that is being moved across which my dentist said "should be interesting....". My ortho is very confident though. See what happens.

I'm almost 28 so hoping that everything will be done and braces off by my 30th birthday. I work for a large company and do have to talk to people a lot and sometimes go to conferences and see visitors so a little nervous of people staring but I'll just have to get over it!

Having clear ceramic tops and metal bottoms, I'm just feeling hugely nervous now to the point I feel a bit ill but I just keep focusing on the end result. My partner is very supportive and coming with me today, I'm trying to be positive but also sort of thinking EEEEEEEK.

[jem]

Hi Helly,

I hope today has gone well for you. I had my brace removed on Monday after 18 months and am very happy with the outcome.

I am a middle aged man running my own professional business and meeting new people and making presentations on a very regular basis. I was also very apprehensive beforehand about what other people might think but it has honestly not been an issue.

With ceramic brackets, many people with whom I did business didn't even notice, and those who apparently did were always polite enough not to stare or say anything. The only people who have ever said anything about my brace were friends or family and that was all positive, following which me being braced was the new normal for them and the subject of braces never came up again unless I raised it.

You will be fine ( even though you will probably be asking yourself "What have I done?" at some point soon) and the results are well worth it. Good luck with your treatment

Jem

[Helly]

Hi jem,

Thanks for your post, I saw yours and your teeth look great!

All went well, in and out in about 40 mins. However less than 2 hours after I left one of my power chains popped off at 1 side. The ortho had already closed so have to call them tomorrow morning.

My front teeth feeling a bit numb and trying to talk without getting my lips stuck on the brackets is getting better! Glad I'm not at work until Monday! I'm glad as well that I can still drink coffee although in moderation as I can't work without it in a morning!

I've just had my first meal of soup which wasn't too bad, Its going to take a while getting used to brushing as I was so scared of breaking a bracket or bending the wire but suppose it will just take time!

[Helly]

And finally i can add photos after some massive tantrums with numerous devices!!!

2 days in and I have been through the following emotions.

1) WHHHHHYYYYYYY did i do this.
2) I feel terrific (after painkillers)
3) I HATE MY LIFE.
4) I am thrilled I have finally taken the plunge.
5) 2 days in... Im asked for ID. YES!! I LOOK UNDER 18 AGAIN!!!

[Helly]

And the next 3!

[Tobilei]

Yay for being braced They look great! And we all have those "OMG I want to die" and "what the heck was I thinking" moments!! They do pass. And try not to worry about bending wires or breaking brackets. It's pretty impossible to do with a toothbrush

[Helly]

Thanks! I actually think I've been very lucky, the first morning was the worst but I had my first proper meal last night and feel so much better. Apart from some aches and sensitivity it's been ok actually.

First day back at work tomorrow, no idea what I will be able to have to eat though as cant heat up soup, do pasta or porridge so ideas would be excellent! Or it may just be yoghurt all day!

Oh and I had to brush my teeth in a toilet of a restaurant last night after I ate. Everyone stared at me and must have thought I was mental!!

[anedia]

Hi Helly,

How many days did you take off of work? I'm still trying to decide how much I should take off.

[Helly]

Hey Anedia,

Luckily I got my braces fitted while on my annual holiday. So I had them fitted weds afternoon and back at work Monday. I would say take the day after off depending what you do for work but after that I wasn't too bad as i kept topping up on painkillers!

When do you get yours on?

[anedia]

I get braced on September 3rd. I have some extractions to get done before that, wisdom teeth and one baby tooth. Those are coming out August 22nd.

I know for sure I'm taking a couple days off after the extractions but still debating on time after the braces. I thinking about going to work right after the braces that day and taking the next day off. It seems to take a day or so for the pain

[Helly]

After my first two extractions I was at work the next day but then I took a day off after the next 2 as it was a little sore. My braces didn't hurt the same day, I took painkillers before they were put on and then a few hours after. It was the morning after I had some pain so maybe good to take that day off! Everyone is different though

[anedia]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll stick with just the day after off, I dont spend too much time talking so even if it's sore I should be able to handle it.

Did you have wisdom teeth take out? I'm most nervous about that I think.

[Helly]

No I had pre molars taken out which were fine. I got a local anaesthetic and I had 2 visits for 2 teeth out each time and only took ten mins. My partner had 2 wisdom teeth out and they were fine too. Don't worry they will totally numb you up!