Going to take the plunge September 19th!!!!

[Odessa]

Hello Everyone!!!

I just want to start off saying that this site is was really got me motivated to get braces now at the age of 23. I always wanted them but like a lot of people here my family could not afford them. I was always embarrassed of my crooked and crowded teeth. Now that I have the extra cash I decided there is no time like the present.
On August 14th I had my first consultation with my orthodontist. He came highly recommended and does excellent work with both children and adults. In fact he said that about 35% of his patients are adults. This made me feel better about choosing him. At the exam he took countless x-rays and pictures. ( Don't you just love the picture where when you have to make the "serious" face. It has to look like a mugshot...lol). Well it turns out that not only are my teeth out of line but my jaw is as well. The reason that I have an overbite is because my lower jaw is too short for my mouth. He said that I could go through with surgery but he really did not want to go this route and that the braces will make my teeth perfect, but that he was going to treat me conservatively?
While reviewing my x-rays he noticed that I don't have just 4 wisdom teeth but 5!!! Four of the five are impacted. He said that as long as they were not bothering me right now he was going to put my top braces on right away. Has anyone else had there braces put on before removing their wisdom teeth? I naturally assumed that they had to be removed before. Anyways I have to get one tooth pulled ( the one next to my canine) on top one week prior to getting my braces on. It seems that the same tooth on the other side is missing. He is still unsure of how many teeth need to be pulled on the bottom ( 1 or 2). My bottom teeth are VERY crowded. He would like to discuss it with his colleagues before bracing them.
So right now I am anxiously awaiting to be braced. My boyfriend is very supportive. He has had braces in the past (his teeth are perfect ) and I am constantly asking him questions. In fact I am constantly talking about it. Everyone must be sooo annoyed by now...lol.
One thing that I am having a tough time deciding is- Ceramic or metal? I have heard that the old fashioned metal works best. I am not going to be ashamed of my braces ( I am paying a pretty penny for them so why should I?). I really don't care if people notice. I would just appreciate some feedback about which kind everyone prefers here.
So until then I will be dreaming of my perfect smile and will keep you posted with pictures and updates. Thanks for reading!!!!!!!

[dbtrini]

Hi - I had all four impacted wisdom teeth removed +1 premolar before the braces. Sounds awful but it really was not bad. I have crooked overcrowded teeth as well. Its been three weeks since I got my braces and I can see some movement already. Its exciting. Good luck with your journey.

[Sparrow76]

I just took the plunge and made an appointment with an ortho to get braces, and this community is one of the reasons I think I can get through this process. Thanks to all of you for the support and valuable information you share! I look forward to becoming a braces veteran and doing the same a few months down the line!

[timewaster]

Welcome Odessa!

I have my wisdom teeth all in place, but my ortho thinks that as long as they are not bothering me, I should be fine. I do plan on getting them out some time next year as soon as my dental plan is replenished from the extraction of my 4 premolars.

Good luck on your b-day! Mine is a few days before you and we're the same age...so I'll be excited to watch your story more closely. I'll even race you!

[mary.]

Good luck with everything! I'm getting mine on the 17th, and look forward to sharing progress stories with you!! I agree that this forum is an amazing help.

My ortho suggested ceramic on the top and metal on the bottom, and said that this is what they tend to do the most. He doesn't put ceramic on the bottoms. I like the idea of ceramic on top for myself as they will just blend in better. I won't be ashamed of my braces, but no harm in them blending in better : )

Again, best wishes with it all! It's a great thing!

[cwatt1]

Welcome, Odessa!

All the best for your upcoming b-day. Are you starting to get butterflies in your stomach yet?

I agree with the previous posts about bracket types. Whatever your ortho has experience with and is comfortable using will create the best result for you. I have metal brackets and love them, but as Karen says she has ceramics and loves those, too!

[Rainy]

Welcome Odessa. I know how exciting it can be and how you just want to talk and talk about getting braces. I think mister was rolling his eyes everytime I started to say b... I still drag him over to look at my comparision pics and I know he is rolling his eyes. We are here to listen to your entire story, your feeling and rants if needed. Welcome again


Rainy

[Odessa]

Thank you for your tremendous support!
Tomorrow (Sept 10th) I am having a tooth pulled in prep. for braces. I am a little nervous about that, but I calm down once I sit in the dentist's chair. It's just the anticipation that makes me nervous. So , Cwatt, right now I do have butterflies about the braces.
As of right now I am leaning towards ceramic, but I am going to see what my ortho thinks is best..

ThatsWhatSheSaid- I will definitely keep you up to date with my treatment. I will post pics once I get my braces on. Be sure to keep me posted as well. I have to wait to get my wisdoms out due to my insurance also. I had a major root canal done which depleted it. They should really give you more $$$!!

[Odessa]

Well Wednesday the 19th is fast approaching. I have to admit how excited I am. I already had my right bicuspid extracted last week. It was a piece of cake. The only bad part for me about having teeth pulled is the bleeding. After it stopped I was fine (absolutely no pain during or after w/o meds) I feel like such a yokel without a front tooth, but I figure that when I get my braces you will hardly notice it (strongly hoping!!!!) Right now I am batteling a canker sore. Boy can they hurt. I tried a new product and it is great. It's the ORA-GEL discs. They cover the entire sore so that nothing rubs against it and stays put for hours. Brushing my teeth was like torture before these.
Well I guess that's it for me until Wednesday. Ill let everyone know how it goes. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!

[mary.]

I got my braces on yesterday and am SO glad to finally get this done.

All will go just fine for you.

Congrats on your decision to go forward with it!