Atlanta, GA: The braces are off! Final Pics are posted!

[todddutton]

Hello everyone! My name is Todd, I'm 32 years old and I live in Atlanta, GA. I've found archwired.com to be the best resource for adult braces online. Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories.

I'm going to my orthodontist tomorrow morning to have my braces installed. My teeth are rather straight. I am having the braces installed to fix a minor overbite. I've been grinding my teeth, apparently because of this problem. Rather than put a "band-aid" on the problem, I've decided to fix the problem. I'll be in braces for 10-12 months.

I chose the typical metal brackets for the top and bottom. I figure I can handle anything for a year!

If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them. I bought a water pic and sonicare toothbrush. I also bought one of the dentakits that are advertised on archwired.com. I love the kit. It is quite small and has everything I need to care for my teeth throughout the work day at my office. I encourage you to get the kit as it will certainly be valuable on a daily basis.

I'll be posting pictures as I get them. Best, TD[/quote]

[todddutton]

Lucy,

Thanks so much for the recommendations. They are much appreciated.

One more question, do I need to bring my own camera to the ortho office? Can't hurt I suppose but I really want to be able to see my treatment.

Thanks!!!

[todddutton]

Hello everyone!

I made it through the big day, just fine. I enjoyed my visit overall. The most uncomfortable thing about the braces installation was the taste of the glue they used to adhere the braces to my teeth. UGH! Otherwise, it went smoothly.

I'm using plenty of wax on my back upper and lower teeth. I will eventually have rubber bands to correct the overbite. The hooks they have for the bands are quite annoying. But, the wax has helped alleviate the problem.

As I mentioned earlier, I bought a Sonicare toothbrush. I loved the new toothbrush without braces but I think I will return it and stick with a manual toothbrush for now. It’s a little intense…I feel like my brackets or wire will come off using the toothbrush. The water pick is proving to be quite useful. I may get one for my office.

My next check-up will be in mid-march. I am very happy I’ll only have to endure this for 10-12 months. I can’t imagine them for any longer a time.

I’ll post pictures tonight when I get home.

Talk to you soon!

TD

[CelestialVoices]

Welcome Todd! You've made a good choice in buying a Sonicare toothbrush, I love mine. I had to use a manual brush for quite a while also because it was too intense even on its lowest setting, but hopefully you'll be able to use it again in a while with no problem..That was my experience anyways. Lip balm definitely helps! Combined with our cold weather here in IL, I'm using it alot. Keep us updated and I look forward to seeing your pics!
CV

[Granola]

Congrats on getting your braces, and welcome to the board! I just got my upper brace on yesterday.

I was using an electric toothbrush (Oral B Sonic Complete) prior to getting braces, so will keep on using mine. It seems to do a much better job on keeping my brackets clean than my manual brush (so far!). I think when your teeth settle down for you, you'll find your Sonicare does wonders for you. I just bought a Waterpik also and am hoping it works for awhile (the reviews are not so good).

Here's hoping your first few days with braces will be very bearable.

[todddutton]

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[todddutton]

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[todddutton]

Removed pics from duplicate posting.

[todddutton]

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[todddutton]

I just posted pictures of my teeth the day my braces were put on.
Sorry for the excessive copies but as soon as the edit function is put back on, I'll delete the copies.

I have a slight overbite and a minor gap in the front of the upper teeth. The lower teeth are about 1mm off center. I also have a minor rotation of two of the teeth on the bottom.

So far, the most difficult part of the braces has been eating. It doesn't hurt but the food getting stuck in the brackets makes me obsess about cleaning them. This is particularly problematic when out to eat. UGH!

My cheeks have started to adjust to the hooks. My next appointment is in the middle of March so I'll ask my orthodontist if he will need them for rubber bands. If not, he'll have to smooth them out.

Do you all have the same obsession with cleaning your teeth? I'd love to hear from you!

[todddutton]

[todddutton]

I am happy to say my cheeks don't hurt anymore. I am slowly getting used to having things stuck in my brackets. I do find myself monitoring what I eat, more closely.

I have my first adjustment in the next three weeks. My teeth are beginning to feel more loose. This is the most unusual feeling ever!!!

Does anyone else ever feel their teeth are going to fall out?

Also, I don't know why my pictures aren't showing up anymore. It may just be my office computer. Let me know if you are having problems viewing them. I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Ta ta,

TD

[todddutton]

I have my first adjustment next week. I have a couple of questions. Why would I get rubber bands? They make me a bit nervous. Also, is there any way to tell I'll get the band changed? I haven't seen much, if any, movement in the past month since I had the braces installed. A couple teeth feel a bit loose, but nothing significant. Any advice or help is much appreciated.

Thanks! TODD

[todddutton]

Hello everyone!

I had my first adjustment this morning. All I can say is I have a new respect for other individuals with severe rotations in their teeth. I have a slight rotation to fix and it sure does hurt.

I got a new archwire (16) and they put powerchains on the top and bottom. OUCH!!!!! What exactly do these little monsters do? I'll have another checkup in 6 weeks. I'll post pictures after the next checkup. My teeth haven't changed much since their installation in February.

The pressure is kind of intense. One tooth, in particular, is causing me grief. I'm thinking of taking some tylenol. I finally understand what everyone has been talking about on the message boards. My cheeks hurt quite a bit the first month. Now it's the teeth that hurt.

I asked if I would need the rubber bands and they still aren't sure. The new wire is quite strong and rectangular. Hopefully I'll know at my checkup, May 1st.

I could use some words of wisdom, advice, thoughts. I can't imagine going through this for another 10 months.
I hope to hear from you soon!

[Flora2006]

Powerchains are used to close gaps.

Don't worry, the pain will subsidize...take a pain killer if it really hurts you. You will feel better soon. The first few adjustments are like that but you will get used to it at some point, that's what I've been told.

Hang in there