Hi everyone, I thought I'd introduce myself. I am extremely glad to have found this website---the whole process of deciding to go through treatment has been stressful.
My name is Michele and I'm 20 years old. I already had lots of orthodontic treatment when I was a pre-teen. I was teased my whole childhood for bad buck teeth and a narrow smile. At 13, I got a palate expander and a full mouth of metal braces, plus headgear, chains, and a whole lot of nasty extras. At 16, I got my braces/expander off and was blessed with a beautiful, straight, perfected smile. I was overjoyed. I wore my retainers dutifully, but after I started college, I noticed they stopped fitting. By the time I was 19, they stopped fitting altogether. While visiting my dentist for a tooth cleaning last year, he told me I should see an orthodontist about my bite because it was wearing down my front two upper and lower teeth. Turns out my growth plates never closed and so the minute my braces came off, I was headed for trouble. My other problem is that I have HUGE tonsils, which makes me a mouth breather.
When I went to the ortho, I was given two main options: jaw surgery & invisalign or another expander & invisalign. As much as I hated that expander the first time around, I decided to forgo surgery. I got my spacers in and have done the impressions for my expander. I get it put in a week from today. I am not going to lie, I am terrified. I have a job which requires a lot of talking, especially on the phone, and I dread the idea that I won't be able to speak correctly (though I have given myself 48 hours between insertion and my next shift). The expander will be in for 6 months and then in March (just in time for my 21st birthday), I'll be getting the invisalign. I have no idea what to expect, but I'm excited to say the least.
I should also add that in January, I'm getting those pesky tonsils out!
Can't wait to start meeting everyone. Have a great day!
20 and just starting treatment.
Moderator: bbsadmin
congrats!
Congrats! i am also 20 and just starting treatment! i on the other hand never seen a ortho in my life until two weeks ago when i went in for the consultation. i am in my spacers now and not really sure what to expect next not sure if ill wear the expander first then braces or both! guess ill soon find out!
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soccerallison21
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 1:51 pm
hello
How you liking the braces? How is it being in college and a brace face? I got mine the day before school started. Still adjusting.