I want braces and have a question

Message

#1 Post by **redheadlady** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 9:38 am

I'm so glad I found this site. I want braces (I think) I really don't but I hate these spaces in my teeth.
Was anyone had theirr family and friends tell them that they don't see
anything wrong with your teeth?? My teeth are pretty much straight, but I
have been living with these spaces for a long time. My bottom teeth are
the bad ones. I go for my first consultation visit monday and I want to get
them put on as soon as possible before I change my mind.
How many return visit do I need with the orth before we get started?

Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:21 am

KK pretty much summed all the important info up, but I just wanted to throw in my experience, cause I just went thru it.

My time between 1st consult and getting braces was just under 2 months, with 2 appointments prior to getting the braces on. The timing could have been shorter but I had some restorative treatments that had to be completed by my dentist before they could move forward with ortho. As KK stated, it really depends upon your own case.

Good luck

#3 Post by **SandraJones** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 10:32 am

Hey, take a look at my teeth (in my avatar) ... I wonder how anyone could tell me that nothing was wrong with my teeth ! And yet everyone did except my husband. I think other people just didn't look at my teeth that much, but my husband did, especially when I was in the end stages of my decision-making and we were both scrutinizing them.

Braces are definitely a do-t-for-yourself thing though. My teeth bugged me all of my waking hours, I hated the way they looked and that they were becoming progressively more crooked over time. Not only will I be so happy to have straight teeth again, I will be relieved of that obsession with my teeth. I've had the braces on for 10 days now and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

#4 Post by **redheadlady** » Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:42 am

Thanks so much for your relys.. I know what you mean about not paying much attention to peoples teeth. I don't notice inless they have very attractive teeth or very bad teeth. I have always envyed people with perfect teeth. I work all day in front of a mirror and talk to clients. I notice how bad
my teeth have got over the years spacing out and I want so badly to fix them. Heaven knows I can't afford veneers. I just had a cleaning at my dentist and he is the one who referred me to a orth. My gums and teeth are
in very good health. I had 2 bottom teeth pull when I was young and that is
part of the reason for the spaces.I don't have a pic of the bottom teeth ,here is what my top ones look like. My dentist also said that I could get a gum lift afterwards to make my teeth look a normal size. the front top look short.
which I hate too.

#5 Post by **New Metal** » Sun Aug 26, 2007 1:51 pm

Yuppers, I had quite a few friends tell me "why did u get braces?", but you can tell from my pics that i had a lil spacing up top and crowding at the bottom. I believe people have their own bad smile meter and my smile didnt cross the "need braces" line. I feel its something that I can change,i t will make me feel better, and isnt gonna cause anyone else harm.. DO IT

#6 Post by **redheadlady** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 8:16 am

OK, I when for the consultation and I was told I was a easy case, since
everything checked out ok, expect the spaces and my bite is a lttle off, but that is because of the spaces. they took some pic and x rays
and I go in a couple of week for spacers. I really like the personal service
of the staff everyone was so friendly and had beautiful smiles. the dentist
assured me that this would be fun and I would be pleased with the results.
I can't wait!

thank you guys!!

#7 Post by **SnowSara** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:21 am

I felt exactly the same way before I started, and no regrets now that I'm 7 mo into treatment. I'm so happy to be doing something "just for me" that will make me feel better and more confident in myself in the long run. Go for it, (at least a consultation or two) or you'll never know!

//edit: Oops, didn't read your last post there. So glad you went in for the consultation and liked the office! And remember, even if your friends and family don't understand your need for braces, you can always come here for advice, venting, good/bad news, whatever! This has been a terrific resource during this whole journey for me.

#8 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:49 am

OH....I saw a problem with my teeth even though my friends didn't. My parents told me I was beautiful just the way I am.

But that's what parents say. On the other hand my brother is an OS and told me that I needed it. I figured I should do something about my teeth since it bothered me. My lowers were crowded and my uppers were protuding and my lipsat rest were always open. I saw the problem and I decided to finally do it. My other half thinks my teeth were fine but then again, he's already had ortho and doesn't really care about teeth anymore. I say, if it bothers you, just do it!!!!!

#9 Post by **jennielee81** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:45 am

Good for you getting that process in gear!!

Your teeth really look good, I see the spaces and a few teeth out of line, but they're very nicely shaped and very white. You appear to have a healthy mouth. You floss, don't you!

Keep us posted! on your progress!

#10 Post by **Andantae** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 3:46 pm

Redheadlady,

I am so glad you decided to proceed! You time investment/return ratio is so good as you already have a very nice smile and sounds like a 'relatively' easy fix. Good for you!

Andi