In my late twenties, I was having increasing sensitivity in my molars and gum recession on my lower front teeth. I saw multiple dentists over the years (due to insurance company changes) and all said, "No cavities, looks great, see you in six months." Then I met the dentist who changed my life. He said I had "premature contact" of some molars and it was causing all kids of wear and tear. Ahhh! An explanation that made sense. That was Spring 2004 and I found this website.
My head was spinning, I have almost no fillings, but the gums are definitely showing wear. My teeth look OK, but still orthodontics is the treatment. I scoured the internet (and I mean scoured) for anything that would tell me it was OK not to do braces - that my teeth would last fine, though not be in great alignment. I found nothing.
I had consultations with 2 orthodontists (including the one I saw as a teenager). Both said about the same thing. 2.5 years in braces. My old ortho wouldn't touch me without extracting teeth. The other (recommended by the dentist diagnosing the problem) said 65% chance of no extractions.
Most people are surprised when I mention getting braces again. My front teeth are relatively straight-looking, though I do have a 5-6mm overjet. What folks don't see is the horrible malocclusion in my molars. I have a single point of contact when I bite down - it's on my left side. In order to get contact on both sides of my mouth, I have to slide my lower jaw forward about 10 mm! I've learned to do this when I eat without even realizing I'm doing it. Surprisingly, I don't have TMJ problems or much muscule pain in my face or jaw.
Anyway, in 2004, I wasn't ready mentally to get the braces. I've been in a nightguard since, which stops the grinding at night and seems to have stopped any additional wear and tear. Some of the sensitivity has subsided. I also didn't want braces while pregnant and I wanted one more baby!
So, life happened. My husband got seriously sick. Then we got him better. Then I had another baby (love my 2 kids). My teeth were still a mess. I would like to be out of braces by 40. Let's just say the window is closing.
I had my courage together last fall. Then I looked at the calendar and realized that I had an appointment everyday of the month. Then things got busy w/ Thanksgiving and the holidays. Oh, with this line of excuses, I'd never do it!
Finally, I made the call - yes, it's been THREE YEARS! This week, I went for my records appointment with that second orthodontist who thought we could address the problems w/o extractions.
Feb. 5 - I go for the treatment plan. If we're going to try it without extractions, I think I'll get the spacers right then and there. I could be banded by the end of the month!
So, I have to get the financial/insurance side of this figured out. No coverage for adult orthodontics. But, the orthodonist is a participating doctor, so we get an in-network rate. That should help. And, I definitely have to work out the flex spending account thing.
I hope you guys are there to catch me when they tell me I need extractions and I faint on the spot!
But I made the decision and I survived! And I am happy with the results so far, although I am still at the beginning.
) They were very understanding and supportive. I was surprisingly nervous about the appointment - not the impressions and xrays - just the fact that I was finally there and setting the ball in motion. 
