Newbie Questions

[randomguy]

Hi all,

Just stumbled accross this site and thought i'd take the opportunity to as some questions. I've done a fair bit of reading and have what i think are some answers but thought I'd confirm.

I'm 29yo and my teeth have always been in need of braces, both top and bootom. I'm now starting to consider making an appointment with the ortho but thought i'd ask:

a) I thought 29 was too old. Given what I have read here it seems not. Does age at when you decide to do it have any bearing?

b) My teeth generally arent in brilliant condition - all molars have been filled. Will this have any bearing on getting braces or anying like that?

c) Assuming that the only solution to help straighten my teeth are braces can anyone give indicative costs and timeframes on how long ill have them for? Obviously I understand this will be different for all ppl.

d) How much pain am I looking at? I'm usually not too good at dental work but given I've just had 4 wisdom teeth out I figure it cant be worse than that?

e)Are there any precautions or things that can go wrong by getting braces?? Heard of stories where the movement of the teeth has caused major issues. How much maintenance is involved??

Thanks in advance for any advice or comments. Hopefully this will help me make the right decision!!

cheers

[fdd1212]

I had mine put on at 27yrs old. Keep in mind that everyone's teeth respond differently. Mine moved quite well, in a timely fashion. I've known people 50+ yrs old with braces so age is not a factor!

Several of my molars have been filled over the years due to poor habits. No issues with braces.
Mine cost about $5000 USD and you're looking at 2yrs average with braces. I never missed an appointment, so I'm sure this sped up treatment.
The only pain I experienced was after adjustments. The work inside the office was painless, but from 1-7 days after a big adjustment, it will be sore, meaning you'll feel some pain when chewing on foods. Nothing that will make you cry, and definitely not a huge issue.
I've had no issues with my braces and they've been on for 21mo. They're coming off this month and they're in great shape.

[sarahlynn]

You're definitely not too old. I'm 29 and 3 months into my braces. I've read that the older you are your teeth may move a bit slower, but everyone's teeth move at a different rate. I've seen progress pics from many people our age on here with pretty fast movement.

Treatment time varies, but it's probably a good guess to say about two years - give or take a little time depending on your situation. Two years seem to be an average time frame from what I'm reading. It'll also depend on if you need extractions - my ortho said that extractions will lengthen treatment time because it can take time to close up the gaps. Your ortho may not know right off the bat if you need extractions though - myself and many others are in the boat of "let's see how things are looking around 6 months into treatment to see if there's enough room or if extractions are needed."

I have a cross bite, a deep bite, and crowding and I was given an estimate of 2-3 years. I'm slightly ahead of time in one area, but from what I hear the bite takes the longest to correct, and that'll come later into treatment, so it's still very early to know how on course I'll be. There really are so many variables. And different orthos will have different game plans, so talk to a couple and see which treatment plan makes you more comfortable.

Treatment times can be so long because correcting the bite takes awhile, and also the roots have to settle. Even if you see visual improvements in your teeth it will take longer for the roots to settle into their best and final position. Teeth are moving all over the place at the beginning of treatment.

I don't think your fillings will be a problem.

Pain for me has been minimal - things have been annoying for sure, but certainly manageable on the pain scale. It is sometimes sore chewing on teeth that are moving a ton, and soreness comes and goes all the time, but it's doable.

[smithie]

I am 29 like you and had braces put on yesterday. For your questions,

a) Being able to move your teeth does not depend on whether you are still growing or not. Of course, everything is harder the older you get, but I think the answer here is no, 29 is not too old (might be issues with your bite that could be corrected orthodontically if you were still a kid and now can't be, not sure).

b) Nothing in my experience has suggested this is a concern.

c) I am paying about $3000, and my insurance is paying about another $1000. I live in the South of the US. I was told two years, give or take a few months.

d) One day in, no pain. I found the spacers comfortable. Of course, YMMV.

e) Root resorption seems to be the biggest concern, google for more info. I'm under the impression orthodontics is a well-understood practice without many surprises.

I understand the urge to do background research, but I strongly suggest you make an appointment with an orthodontist or two for a consultation; these are generally free in the US and he will be able to give you a much better idea about what you could expect than we could here. You can always just not go back if you don't like what you hear.

[drrick]

Hi all,

Just stumbled accross this site and thought i'd take the opportunity to as some questions. I've done a fair bit of reading and have what i think are some answers but thought I'd confirm.

I'm 29yo and my teeth have always been in need of braces, both top and bootom. I'm now starting to consider making an appointment with the ortho but thought i'd ask:

a) I thought 29 was too old. Given what I have read here it seems not. Does age at when you decide to do it have any bearing?

Not a huge factor. My oldest pt was 75.

b) My teeth generally arent in brilliant condition - all molars have been filled. Will this have any bearing on getting braces or anying like that?

Shouldnt matter. We move teeth with fillings, crowns, root canals, etc. As long as there is no gum disease or active dcay all should work out fine

c) Assuming that the only solution to help straighten my teeth are braces can anyone give indicative costs and timeframes on how long ill have them for? Obviously I understand this will be different for all ppl.

Really depends on your personal situation

d) How much pain am I looking at? I'm usually not too good at dental work but given I've just had 4 wisdom teeth out I figure it cant be worse than that?

The first week or so you will be sore.This will vary from person to person, case to case. Some will be sore longer. I am sure all of the pts here can give you better insights into this.

e)Are there any precautions or things that can go wrong by getting braces?? Heard of stories where the movement of the teeth has caused major issues. How much maintenance is involved??

All medical procedures involve advantages, disadvatages, risks, and alternatives. Your doc should discuss these with you at your consultation appt

Thanks in advance for any advice or comments. Hopefully this will help me make the right decision!!

Good Luck!!!

cheers