Hi opera^gal,
I think the headaches are most noticeable as I don't usually suffer with them. As for the time spent fiddling with the elastics I'm dreading Monday when I'm at work. I only take 30 mins for my lunch break so there is no way I'm taking them out - I shall have soup or similar!
Yesterday I visited Mum, she is 81 & had prepared food for me - I didn't have the heart to say no, so had to resort to using a pair of dressmaking scissors to cut the elastics - I didn't have my nail scissors & couldn't get them off any other way! I had to wait until I got home before starting again! I'm already finding elastics all over the place!
They are pesky little things but I'd say they are working. Good Luck!
Helen
My Braces at 53
Moderator: bbsadmin
The easiest way I've found to remove them, is to stick my finger into the space between the two sides of the elastic, and run my finger up to each hook and they pop right off and onto my finger. Maybe that will work for you. Good luck!
2/2/09: metal braces T/B
8/20/10: braced removed (18mons, 18days), hawley retainers T/B
9/16/10: LR central incisor extracted (failed root canal)
2/23/11: implant/bone graft
9/15/11: implant crown placed, lower lingual bonding corrected
9/21/11: upper bonding on lateral gaps from upper arch forward advancement
10/17/11: new hawley retainers w/plastic tubing over the 'social six' wire, both T/B
8/20/10: braced removed (18mons, 18days), hawley retainers T/B
9/16/10: LR central incisor extracted (failed root canal)
2/23/11: implant/bone graft
9/15/11: implant crown placed, lower lingual bonding corrected
9/21/11: upper bonding on lateral gaps from upper arch forward advancement
10/17/11: new hawley retainers w/plastic tubing over the 'social six' wire, both T/B
I had an unexpected visit to my orthodontist on 22 December because I developed a sore red patch on my lower gum by my molar & wanted it checked out before the Christmas holiday. The elastics are attached to that molar & I didn't know if it was to do with that. It turned out to be a small infection but while I was there he checked out my bite as I'd had the elastics for just over 2 weeks.
The orthodontist was pleased with my progress & said I'd probably only need 2-3 more adjustments and for the first time also mentioned the magic R word RETAINERS. I think that means I should be getting the braces off at around the 18 month mark as originally predicted.
The orthodontist was pleased with my progress & said I'd probably only need 2-3 more adjustments and for the first time also mentioned the magic R word RETAINERS. I think that means I should be getting the braces off at around the 18 month mark as originally predicted.
15 January 2009 10th Adjustment.
I had upper & lower powerchains and 'o'rings replaced. The gap between my LR6 & LR4 has opened up so I have an extra little length of powerchain on those two teeth. That extra powerchain seems to be working already.
I have to continue with the elastics - a pain! They are hard work especially if I talk a lot - which I did last week when I was handing over my job, ready to start a new job on Monday. But they are bringing my teeth together.
I am nervous about going to a new job & meeting new people while I'm in the middle of this treatment. I know I've just got to get on with it.
11th adjustment 26 February
I had upper & lower powerchains and 'o'rings replaced. The gap between my LR6 & LR4 has opened up so I have an extra little length of powerchain on those two teeth. That extra powerchain seems to be working already.
I have to continue with the elastics - a pain! They are hard work especially if I talk a lot - which I did last week when I was handing over my job, ready to start a new job on Monday. But they are bringing my teeth together.
I am nervous about going to a new job & meeting new people while I'm in the middle of this treatment. I know I've just got to get on with it.
11th adjustment 26 February
26 February - 11th Adjustment - quite a busy appointment!
Upper powerchain & 'o' rings replaced. The orthodontist decided I needed to have the bracket on my LR6 repositioned - this was the molar which tilted over at 45 degrees but is now upright. He took the bracket off, sanded the tooth and put a new bracket on. I also had my lower teeth laced instead of having a powerchain, this is to keep them in place because I have gone back to the lower strength wire while the LR6 moves. NO ELASTICS which now feels very odd - I'm actually missing them though it has been hard work wearing them!! I'm also back to that familiar ache of moving teeth!
My next appointment is in 8 weeks - delayed slightly due to Easter, then I will go back to the stainless steel wire and the elastics. I was told things are still progressing well & the orthodontist knew I'd been using the elastics.
Since Friday evening I have found the bracket on my LR7 is now hitting my molar band on the UR7, I thought I was going to bite it off at one stage. I'll see if things improve but otherwise will get back in touch on Monday morning to get it checked out.
March - Last month of paying for braces!
Next adjustment 23 April.
Upper powerchain & 'o' rings replaced. The orthodontist decided I needed to have the bracket on my LR6 repositioned - this was the molar which tilted over at 45 degrees but is now upright. He took the bracket off, sanded the tooth and put a new bracket on. I also had my lower teeth laced instead of having a powerchain, this is to keep them in place because I have gone back to the lower strength wire while the LR6 moves. NO ELASTICS which now feels very odd - I'm actually missing them though it has been hard work wearing them!! I'm also back to that familiar ache of moving teeth!
My next appointment is in 8 weeks - delayed slightly due to Easter, then I will go back to the stainless steel wire and the elastics. I was told things are still progressing well & the orthodontist knew I'd been using the elastics.
Since Friday evening I have found the bracket on my LR7 is now hitting my molar band on the UR7, I thought I was going to bite it off at one stage. I'll see if things improve but otherwise will get back in touch on Monday morning to get it checked out.
March - Last month of paying for braces!
Next adjustment 23 April.
2nd March - Return Visit.
I went to get my bite checked out again because the discomfort continued with my UR7 & LR7 molars. What has happened is because I have gone onto a lighter wire the LR 7 has just tilted slightly and lifted up causing the bracket and molar band to clash.
The orthodontist gave me 3 options - to leave things as they were & risk biting the bracket off which would put my progress back, to go back to the stainless steel wire which would be painful at this stage or to try cement glued to one of my teeth to keep them apart.
This was what we went for - I now have a lump of cement on my LR4. He said it would drive me mad! I just need it to stay in place for at least 2 weeks, then it doesn't matter if it falls off or gets worn down.
What to eat for supper?? Well it looks like I'm back to the soft easily swallowed diet for now. Things do feel better though - it's a relief not to have to struggle to put my teeth together, they were all starting to ache not just the troublesome twosome!
Well off to the vet now for the cat to have her MOT!!
I went to get my bite checked out again because the discomfort continued with my UR7 & LR7 molars. What has happened is because I have gone onto a lighter wire the LR 7 has just tilted slightly and lifted up causing the bracket and molar band to clash.
The orthodontist gave me 3 options - to leave things as they were & risk biting the bracket off which would put my progress back, to go back to the stainless steel wire which would be painful at this stage or to try cement glued to one of my teeth to keep them apart.
This was what we went for - I now have a lump of cement on my LR4. He said it would drive me mad! I just need it to stay in place for at least 2 weeks, then it doesn't matter if it falls off or gets worn down.
What to eat for supper?? Well it looks like I'm back to the soft easily swallowed diet for now. Things do feel better though - it's a relief not to have to struggle to put my teeth together, they were all starting to ache not just the troublesome twosome!
Well off to the vet now for the cat to have her MOT!!
I had my 12th Adjustment on 23 April. I was given a stainless steel wire again for the lower teeth & also a couple more wire ties to keep my LR6 in place. I also had the powerchains replaced. It was a fairly painfree appointment, though I've had some aches in my molars on the left and my upper front teeth feel as though they are doing something!
I had to have the lump of cement taken off my LR4 as that had stayed put since 2 March. This was quite a noisy process! The lump of cement did it's job though & my teeth moved well. My bite is so much better than it was and now my molars are all touching. Even with braces on it is so much easier to chew. I am really pleased with the improvement
The good news is that I didn't need the elastics again, though I may before the braces come off.
The even better news is that I have one more adjustment on 11 June & then the braces are due to come off on 8 July. I have an appointment that day for 45 minutes & one the following day when I will get my removable retainers.
I was also asked to think about whether I want to have bonded retainers put behind my 6 lower & upper front teeth. This will cost £400 more & doesn't actually have to be done now, I could have that done at a later date. I have done a little research & think I will probably opt for the permanent retainers. I will still need the removable retainers but I was told everything will remain solid with no chance of relapse. I certainly don't want another trip into the world of braces though it hasn't been too bad!!
I had to have the lump of cement taken off my LR4 as that had stayed put since 2 March. This was quite a noisy process! The lump of cement did it's job though & my teeth moved well. My bite is so much better than it was and now my molars are all touching. Even with braces on it is so much easier to chew. I am really pleased with the improvement
The good news is that I didn't need the elastics again, though I may before the braces come off.
The even better news is that I have one more adjustment on 11 June & then the braces are due to come off on 8 July. I have an appointment that day for 45 minutes & one the following day when I will get my removable retainers.
I was also asked to think about whether I want to have bonded retainers put behind my 6 lower & upper front teeth. This will cost £400 more & doesn't actually have to be done now, I could have that done at a later date. I have done a little research & think I will probably opt for the permanent retainers. I will still need the removable retainers but I was told everything will remain solid with no chance of relapse. I certainly don't want another trip into the world of braces though it hasn't been too bad!!
11 June My 13th Adjustment.
This was supposed to be a 15 minute appointment but was over half an hour! I had my powerchains replaced and a couple of wire ties changed, tightened. Despite having had my teeth cleaned by the hygienist last month I had some build up of plaque so the orthodontist removed that for me. No more elastics!
In the week or so before this appointment I didn't get the usual aches and pains, nor have I had the usual discomfort following yesterday's appointment.
I also (wasn't expecting this yesterday) had impressions taken top and bottom for my bonded retainers, quite straighforward because the impression was in wax and only the front teeth. I did have the pain of paying for them though!
I was on my way home, at the railway station and was on the platform literally 3 minutes from catching the train when one of my 'o' rings popped off! I asked to be let off the platform & went back back to the orthodontist. I have wire lacing round my teeth, plus powerchain plus the arch wire and it was all a bit too much so the 'o' ring was replaced with a wire tie to keep everything in place.
My next appointment is 8 July when I will get my braces removed!! My orthodonist explained this as being 'yet another strange procedure, a bit noisy but nothing to worry about'! I did have a bracket taken off and moved a couple of appointments ago & that was OK, I have also had a look on YouTube and found a short clip explaining the procedure and I am quite happy about it.
I am pleased with the way my teeth look & more importantly how the bite has improved. My teeth they don't line up 100% because of the teeth I'd lost but the gaps have gone, my molars which were tilted sideways are upright. I can chew properly - though I do still have to remind myself that I can do this - I still revert to my old way of chewing - a couple of goes on the left, a couple on the right & then give up - not good for the digestion I think! I have also stopped biting the inside of my mouth on the left hand side - this was always very painful. So all in all at this stage of my treatment I am really pleased with the results so far.
I have a check up at the dentist on Tuesday - as my last appointment was over 7 months ago (he cancelled my booking due to illness). I'm sure he will see a difference in my teeth!
Roll on 8 July!
This was supposed to be a 15 minute appointment but was over half an hour! I had my powerchains replaced and a couple of wire ties changed, tightened. Despite having had my teeth cleaned by the hygienist last month I had some build up of plaque so the orthodontist removed that for me. No more elastics!
In the week or so before this appointment I didn't get the usual aches and pains, nor have I had the usual discomfort following yesterday's appointment.
I also (wasn't expecting this yesterday) had impressions taken top and bottom for my bonded retainers, quite straighforward because the impression was in wax and only the front teeth. I did have the pain of paying for them though!
I was on my way home, at the railway station and was on the platform literally 3 minutes from catching the train when one of my 'o' rings popped off! I asked to be let off the platform & went back back to the orthodontist. I have wire lacing round my teeth, plus powerchain plus the arch wire and it was all a bit too much so the 'o' ring was replaced with a wire tie to keep everything in place.
My next appointment is 8 July when I will get my braces removed!!
My orthodonist explained this as being 'yet another strange procedure, a bit noisy but nothing to worry about'! I did have a bracket taken off and moved a couple of appointments ago & that was OK, I have also had a look on YouTube and found a short clip explaining the procedure and I am quite happy about it.I am pleased with the way my teeth look & more importantly how the bite has improved. My teeth they don't line up 100% because of the teeth I'd lost but the gaps have gone, my molars which were tilted sideways are upright. I can chew properly - though I do still have to remind myself that I can do this - I still revert to my old way of chewing - a couple of goes on the left, a couple on the right & then give up - not good for the digestion I think! I have also stopped biting the inside of my mouth on the left hand side - this was always very painful. So all in all at this stage of my treatment I am really pleased with the results so far.
I have a check up at the dentist on Tuesday - as my last appointment was over 7 months ago (he cancelled my booking due to illness). I'm sure he will see a difference in my teeth!
Roll on 8 July!
Teeth don't always move as expected!! Over the weekend by chance I looked in the mirror - without my glasses on - so I couldn't see my teeth properly, I could only see the outline! It was really noticeable that my upper R3 seemed longer than my other teeth & as I'm due to get my braces off soon I decided to phone & ask if I could have an appointment. I said I was concerned & didn't want to get to 8 July, then find it would have been better to have asked about my teeth earlier.
I also felt my bite was not as good as it had been & I was starting to wonder if I should go back to elastics. I was given an appointment for yesterday afternoon 23 June.
It was interesting that I was focussed on the UR3 but didn't even notice that it was my UR4 which needed to come down, so off came the powerchains, out came the wire, a couple of bends were put in it & everything was replaced. There was also a slight adjustment on the lower teeth. As the UR4 descends my bite will improve again so I don't need the elastics.
My UR4 is a bit painful but things have improved already!!
Still on schedule for 8 July!!
I also felt my bite was not as good as it had been & I was starting to wonder if I should go back to elastics. I was given an appointment for yesterday afternoon 23 June.
It was interesting that I was focussed on the UR3 but didn't even notice that it was my UR4 which needed to come down, so off came the powerchains, out came the wire, a couple of bends were put in it & everything was replaced. There was also a slight adjustment on the lower teeth. As the UR4 descends my bite will improve again so I don't need the elastics.
My UR4 is a bit painful but things have improved already!!
Still on schedule for 8 July!!
I have been brace free now for 9 days, I didn't think I'd ever say this but I do actually miss them a little - I suppose it's what you get used to in 20 months! 
When I went for my appointment I first had my teeth prepared for the bonded retainers. It was exactly the same preparation as having braces, but this time behind the teeth & was OK. The cement felt a bit rough but a week or so on it doesn't seem so bad, it is tempting to keep playing with the retainers but my tongue felt really sore so in the end I tried not to do that. I did lisp a little and do more when my mouth is dry, so I try to keep drinking water.
Then came the braces removal, this wasn't too bad, I felt most pressure on my top front teeth possibly due to ceramic brackets? I only had three molar bands to come off, because I had a bracket on the last one. Again OK, except the last tooth which has been sensitive from time to time throughout my treatment because it has a large filling. Once the brackets were off my teeth were sanded to remove the cement - it was noisy! The edges of some of my teeth were tidied up too. Some of my lower teeth were worn and because they had moved they looked a bit jagged and because my upper teeth were at a different angle they just needed a little work.
Finally my orthodontist took impressions for my retainers - to collect the next day. Then I was free to go. My appointment was 45 minutes altogether. In between each process the orthodontist went to deal with other patients. I felt that worked quite well because it meant I had a little break at each stage.
The next day I went to collect my retainers, they fitted well & were quite snug but I couldn't get them off at first! My finger nails felt really sore & it seemed the more I tried the harder it became!
Then one of the assistants said to try to pull up one end of the retainer slowly to release the air beneath and then think of it as undoing a zip. Once I got that idea it seemed easier, though I did give up & left wearing my retainers when I didn't really need to! 
The retainers don't cover my wisdom teeth but my wisdom teeth weren't touched during my treatment.
I have to use the retainers from 8pm until morning but as I get up at 5.45 I have decided to put them in from 6pm. If I have an evening out & don't use them I have to catch up on time - I can do that on Saturday's & Sunday's. Yesterday I was out from the afternoon until past midnight (I went to see Strictly Come Dancing - very good!!
) but didn't think to take them with me. When I did put the retainers in I certainly noticed a difference in my teeth - there was quite a lot of pressure though that feeling passed quickly.
Today I will keep them in most of the time. I will wear them when I go out too because they don't show much. Talking is improving though I have to take care with my 'S's. I am gradually finding it easier to put in and take out the retainers. I have found the sensitivity I felt in my teeth after the braces removal has faded but it took most of the week. I have been using toothpaste for sensitive teeth frequently - not always, because I do like to use a variety of toothpastes!
Eating is fine but I haven't tried an apple or anything too cruchy yet. I'd be OK cutting it up and using my molars but I don't think I could bite into it on the front teeth. Maybe give it another week or even two.
I have to make an appointment for a retainer check in October so that's the next step.
When I went for my appointment I first had my teeth prepared for the bonded retainers. It was exactly the same preparation as having braces, but this time behind the teeth & was OK. The cement felt a bit rough but a week or so on it doesn't seem so bad, it is tempting to keep playing with the retainers but my tongue felt really sore so in the end I tried not to do that. I did lisp a little and do more when my mouth is dry, so I try to keep drinking water.
Then came the braces removal, this wasn't too bad, I felt most pressure on my top front teeth possibly due to ceramic brackets? I only had three molar bands to come off, because I had a bracket on the last one. Again OK, except the last tooth which has been sensitive from time to time throughout my treatment because it has a large filling. Once the brackets were off my teeth were sanded to remove the cement - it was noisy! The edges of some of my teeth were tidied up too. Some of my lower teeth were worn and because they had moved they looked a bit jagged and because my upper teeth were at a different angle they just needed a little work.
Finally my orthodontist took impressions for my retainers - to collect the next day. Then I was free to go. My appointment was 45 minutes altogether. In between each process the orthodontist went to deal with other patients. I felt that worked quite well because it meant I had a little break at each stage.
The next day I went to collect my retainers, they fitted well & were quite snug but I couldn't get them off at first! My finger nails felt really sore & it seemed the more I tried the harder it became!
Then one of the assistants said to try to pull up one end of the retainer slowly to release the air beneath and then think of it as undoing a zip. Once I got that idea it seemed easier, though I did give up & left wearing my retainers when I didn't really need to! The retainers don't cover my wisdom teeth but my wisdom teeth weren't touched during my treatment.I have to use the retainers from 8pm until morning but as I get up at 5.45 I have decided to put them in from 6pm. If I have an evening out & don't use them I have to catch up on time - I can do that on Saturday's & Sunday's. Yesterday I was out from the afternoon until past midnight (I went to see Strictly Come Dancing - very good!!
) but didn't think to take them with me. When I did put the retainers in I certainly noticed a difference in my teeth - there was quite a lot of pressure though that feeling passed quickly.Today I will keep them in most of the time. I will wear them when I go out too because they don't show much. Talking is improving though I have to take care with my 'S's. I am gradually finding it easier to put in and take out the retainers. I have found the sensitivity I felt in my teeth after the braces removal has faded but it took most of the week. I have been using toothpaste for sensitive teeth frequently - not always, because I do like to use a variety of toothpastes!
Eating is fine but I haven't tried an apple or anything too cruchy yet. I'd be OK cutting it up and using my molars but I don't think I could bite into it on the front teeth. Maybe give it another week or even two.
I have to make an appointment for a retainer check in October so that's the next step.
Re: My Braces at 53 - Now 56!
I last posted a year ago just after I'd had my braces removed and I just thought I'd finish the story off. I went for a retainer check in October and today I went for my final retainer check so I'm completely finished at the orthodontist. Now I only need to use my retainers 3 nights a week but if they start to feel tight I have to increase that. If I have any problems with my retainers I can get back in contact with him.
After I had my braces removed I did find it took quite a long time - months not days! - to feel comfortable eating whatever I wanted. It is only recently that I've found my teeth feel really comfortable when I bite them together. Whether it's due to my age I finally feel at last that they are mine!
From my initial consultation in July 2008 to my final appointment today is 3 years, but only 20 months in braces. It has been so worthwhile so I'd say to anyone who's thinking about having orthodontic treatment go for it! Yes it can be uncomfortable at times, annoying, and any other negative words you can think of but it is also one of the best things I've ever done and I am really glad I took the plunge!
After I had my braces removed I did find it took quite a long time - months not days! - to feel comfortable eating whatever I wanted. It is only recently that I've found my teeth feel really comfortable when I bite them together. Whether it's due to my age I finally feel at last that they are mine!
From my initial consultation in July 2008 to my final appointment today is 3 years, but only 20 months in braces. It has been so worthwhile so I'd say to anyone who's thinking about having orthodontic treatment go for it! Yes it can be uncomfortable at times, annoying, and any other negative words you can think of but it is also one of the best things I've ever done and I am really glad I took the plunge!
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QueenElizabeth
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:02 pm
- Location: Sunny Southern California
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Re: My Braces at 53
Hi hj55!
That's awesome to hear that you are all done and very happy with the outcome. Probably the moment I was handed a mirror, I started to feel self-conscious and the doc quickly reminded me that it would all be worth it at the end.
That's awesome to hear that you are all done and very happy with the outcome. Probably the moment I was handed a mirror, I started to feel self-conscious and the doc quickly reminded me that it would all be worth it at the end.
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."
-Bob Marley
-Bob Marley
Re: My Braces at 53
Hi QueenElizabeth,
Thanks for stopping by! I see from your ticker that you are just starting out on your journey! I know it's easy to say but don't feel self conscious about having braces - come to think of it I wasn't even handed a mirror when I got mine! I don't think anybody notices them and in fact trying to hide them makes them more obvious somehow. Good luck - the time will fly by. It really will. Best wishes Helen
Thanks for stopping by! I see from your ticker that you are just starting out on your journey! I know it's easy to say but don't feel self conscious about having braces - come to think of it I wasn't even handed a mirror when I got mine! I don't think anybody notices them and in fact trying to hide them makes them more obvious somehow. Good luck - the time will fly by. It really will. Best wishes Helen
Re: My Braces at 53
My lower Essix retainer developed a split about a year ago so I contacted the ortho's office was able to have a replacement made from the impression taken when I had my braces taken off in 2010. It fitted well - no problems. Unfortunately that retainer has only lasted a year - I still do clench my teeth at night.
I contacted the ortho's and was later told he wanted to see me so I was given an appointment for last Monday. He was pleased with my bite and fixed retainers so all was good, but he took an impression for a new retainer - this time the retainer will also cover my lower right wisdom tooth which wasn't actually moved or bracketed during treatment. I was told it was possible to have a double thickness retainer made, I was told I might find it bulky and uncomfortable but I could try it.
I opted to try the thicker retainer - I don't want to keep getting new retainers! I collected my new retainer yesterday, yes it is more bulky but on the plus side already I've noticed that I didn't clench my teeth overnight. My jaw felt much better this morning with none of the usual tension I have - the last time I felt like that was during my time in braces when my teeth didn't touch! Getting it out was a bit of a challenge but I'm sure that will get easier with time.
Just recently I found an elastic lying on the floor - a leftover from my time in braces - don't know where that came from I do clean my house - honest!!!
I contacted the ortho's and was later told he wanted to see me so I was given an appointment for last Monday. He was pleased with my bite and fixed retainers so all was good, but he took an impression for a new retainer - this time the retainer will also cover my lower right wisdom tooth which wasn't actually moved or bracketed during treatment. I was told it was possible to have a double thickness retainer made, I was told I might find it bulky and uncomfortable but I could try it.
I opted to try the thicker retainer - I don't want to keep getting new retainers! I collected my new retainer yesterday, yes it is more bulky but on the plus side already I've noticed that I didn't clench my teeth overnight. My jaw felt much better this morning with none of the usual tension I have - the last time I felt like that was during my time in braces when my teeth didn't touch! Getting it out was a bit of a challenge but I'm sure that will get easier with time.
Just recently I found an elastic lying on the floor - a leftover from my time in braces - don't know where that came from I do clean my house - honest!!!