Jay04's Braces Story

[Jay04]

Hey everyone,

I'm new here. I'm 26 and i'm due to get my braces on in the next week, so I thought i'd say a quick hello before posting some photos and some info.

When I was a teenager, I was told I might have to have braces, but for some weird reason by dentist never mentioned it again. I moved around alot and travelled as soon as I'd left high school, so I didn't have the time to commit to having my teeth fixed by the time I actually realised I hated them.

I first asked my new dentist to refer me to an orthodontist about 4 years ago. He took one quick look in my mouth and did one xray, then proceeded to discourage me from getting braces. He told me that my two top front teeth would cross, and my wisdom teeth would just make my teeth crooked again as soon as they started coming through. He was the most pessimistic man I'd ever met, so naturally I didn't go back. It honestly seemed like he couldn't wait to kick me out of the door!

I left it for a few years, then started talking to my dentist a few months ago at one of my checkups, and told him how much I hated the orthodontist he'd sent me to, so he refered me to a new one. As soon as I met her, she was amazing and basically told me everything I'd been told by the other orthodontist was not true. She explained to me exactly what she would do to my teeth if I proceeded with the treatment. I was mainly concerned with my top teeth, but she advised me to have braces on top and bottom, as by pulling my top teeth further forward would make me look goofy, as the bottom teeth would be so far behind them. She also told me that as soon as my treatment was done, she would put something behind my 6 top and bottom teeth (she showed me a picture and it looked like a small wire glued to the back of the teeth), so I wouldn't have to worry about wearing a retainer a few nights a week, for the rest of my life.

My bottom teeth are slightly crooked, but nothing too noticable. My top teeth I cant stand as they actually rest on the gumline of my bottom teeth. They are slightly pushed back behind my lateral incisors, although it's more noticable on one side.

My orthodontist told me she's going to start me off on a fixed brace on the bottom, and a removable one on the top for 6 months, before getting a fixed one on the top. If I remember correctly, she's trying to move the bottom teeth further forward before starting my top ones with a fixed brace. Shes hoping that as my bottom teeth move forward, it will help push my top ones slightly too.

I had a few more consultations, where I had profile shots, x-rays and photos of my teeth taken. Then I was told I had to have two of my top teeth extracted, which didn't bother me so much, as I had a wisdom tooth out a few months ago with no problems. I think it's the 2nd pre-molars at the top (I had to google it as I have no clue, feel free to correct me if i'm wrong when i upload my photos)

I'm sat here now, toothless, and extremely unhappy about it as it's annoying having a huge gap, I getting all sorts of food stuck in it, I can't chew properly, and it hurts like hell! I don't think its pain from where the teeth have been taken out thats bothering me, it's more that i'm doing weird things with my jaw that I never used to. Hopefully i'll get used to having this gap for at least 6 months. Its not really noticable when I smile, so thats a good thing.

I have 2 appointments in the next few weeks, so I'm wondering if i'll be getting spacers first, then the braces. I know the first few weeks of braces will probably suck, and getting the wires tightened will as well according to most of the peoples stories i've checked out on this site. It'll be worth it in the end though! I've been given an estimate of 18 months for the total treatment time which doesn't sound too bad.

Any advice you can give me on what to expect when getting the braces put on, or any other tips would be great. I really like to know what is going to happen before I do something, as I hate being surprised. I had to mentally prepare myself just to get my wisdom tooth out, which my dentist found hilarious. I had to return a week later as I refused to get it out there and then. As soon as he saw me in the waiting room, his first words were "you don't look happy to see me" He managed to surprise me with a footlong needle though (i may be exagerating), so I guess he got the last laugh!

I'll be back to post my 'before braces' photos soon.

[Jay04]

Please excuse the gory extraction gaps! Consider yourselves lucky I didn't post the one where I was oozing blood, and looked like a zombie from resident evil!



Bottom teeth (obviously)



This is what my teeth look like when they are clamped together. See my top teeth digging into my bottom gums



Another shot from the front



A shot from the left



A shot from the right



Sorry about the weird colours in some photos. My camera and I don't always get along. I'll try to take some in better lighting when I get my braces on.

[Jay04]

I just got my spacers on my bottom teeth today. They don't hurt right now, but they've only been on for about four hours. They aren't annoying me too much, although it does feel like i've got a bit of food trapped. I'm still more annoyed with my my gums at the top, where my teeth were extracted. They are starting to settle down a bit, but they still get really irritated every time I eat, and it feels like they are starting to swell as soon as I get a bit of food caught in the gaps where my teeth used to be. When I swish salt water around my mouth like my dentist told me too, they seem to hurt for ages afterwards. I have noticed that they do still seem to be bleeding a tiny bit when something irritates them. Hopefully this will get better within the next day or two. I've been taking some Ibuprofen every time they start to hurt which seems to help. I've also got some Anbesol liquid anesthetic which is great for numbing my gums (I have awful aim and keep numbing my lips too, which I find quite amusing)

The fixed braces for my bottom teeth will be fitted a week today, on the 1st of June. I also had another impression taken of my top teeth today, as I had the two top teeth extracted after my last impressions were done. I'm also getting my removable brace for my top teeth on the 1st of June, which my orthodontist assures me I will hate! Looking forward to it

[Jay04]

Wow, a complete reversal. Now my bottom teeth are killing me beacuse of the spacers, and I'm barely noticing any discomfort from my extractions at the top. My bottom teeth at the front are hurting more than anything. They kinda feel like they are being crushed. I'm really hoping this is as bad as it gets, as I apparently don't have a very high pain threshold. I think the spacers are irritating my gums a bit too, as when I brushed my teeth, my gums started bleeding next to one of the spacers. Less than a week to go until I get them off and get my braces though!

[Jay04]

So I got my fixed lower braces on today and my removable top brace! My ortho chose the colour purple for me which I love. The top removable brace is kind of annoying, as it stops my top and bottom teeth meeting EVERYWHERE, including at the back which is kind of where I need them to meet to grind up food. She told me it would do that, and it would get easier to eat. I have no idea how i'm going to get used to eating when I can't chew. My bottom teeth hit the plastic on the top brace when I close my mouth, so thats kind of the only place where anything meets.

I was trying to eat a salad with cous cous for dinner and couldn't chew the lettuce so I gave up. I guess I could swallow my food whole, but I don't want to become the first person to be killed by their braces, by choking on their food (unless someones beaten me to that title?) Maybe i'll just stick with soup tomorrow to make things easier! I wonder if i'll be living on a liquidized diet soon. I did manage some jello, but it took forever to eat, and I kept laughing as it hardly seemed worth eating it, due to the amount of effort needed!

When I cleaned my teeth after eating for the first time. Wow. What an experience. I brushed 3 times with a normal brush and then attacked my mouth with an electric toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash as well, and bits of food were still appearing out of nowhere! I've learnt my lesson. Cous cous is the Houdini of food! I definately won't be snacking throughout the day anymore. I think i'd burn off the calories i'd just eaten by vigorous cleaning of my teeth anyway!

I've also developed an awesome lisp (insert sarcasm here), due to the removable brace. My ortho said as soon as my two front teeth at the top are pushed forward by it, she'll attach a fixed one to the top too. Come on, come on!!!!! Its been like errrr ...(looks at watch) five hours. Get a move on. I mean it....MOVE so I can get a fixed brace at the top and I can eat again! I suppose now is as good a time to diet as any. I hope I don't look anorexic by the end of my treatment!

I think the top brace is kind of ugly and I don't like smiling at people with it. I really like how my bottom brace look though. Is it possible to smile with just your bottom teeth? Or would that just scare people? I just tried it in the mirror, and it looked like I was about to attack my reflection! It would be a great way to stop people from sitting next to me on the bus though! Grrrrrrrr. Yes thats the sound effect that goes with the face I just pulled!

I've added some photos of my new metal mouth below. Don't ask me why my teeth are blue. I think my ortho was just in a creative mood. Maybe i'll ask if I can have smiley faces painted on them next time. The blue stuff was sharp as it kept catching my tongue. Some of it came off when I brushed my teeth though.

This photo shows how my teeth now meet thanks to my removable brace!


A view of the top with the brace in


Purpleness!!!!


Evilness!

[Kahle]

Congrats on the new braces! I love the purple!
You are not the only one to choke because it is too difficult to chew. I have that problem at times, as well.
I recommend a soft baked potato, if you are looking for food choices. Stay away from chicken and bread at first. I find that they are the worst in getting stuck.

[Jay04]

Thanks, I love the purple too. I definately see what you mean about staying away from bread. Wow. It hides in my extraction gaps, and between the brackets at the back. It look me ages to clean before I invested in a waterpik. I hate to say that my waterpik and I didn't get along so well at first. I got more water in my hair, and on the wall that I did in my mouth. It honestly looked like i'd attempted to drown myself with it! I was soaked!

I think i've had the dream that several people on this site have mentioned before. I dreamt that all my teeth fell out! I was so upset (understandably) I tried to force them all back in to my mouth as they were all still clinging to the wire. I think i'm so worried that my teeth won't move that it's making me dream about it. Obviously as i've only just had my brace put on, they wont move much. I don't really feel any pressure on my teeth or anything that people seem to talk about. That'll probably come at my 1st adjustment onwards I guess.

[Jay04]

One Month in Braces. Its flown by! I've read about the pain people have been through on this forum, and I have to say I must be one of the lucky ones. My fixed braces on the bottom have not irritated my gums one bit! The top removable one kept catching my gum, but it wasn't too bad and lasted only a day or two. I used a tiny piece of wax and haven't touched it again since! I've actually lost it, so it's good my gums aren't irritated actually! I noticed two teeth were a tiny bit sensitive last week, but it didn't really bother me. Enjoy the lack of pain while I can, right?

I've definately noticed that I can floss easier between both my bottom and top teeth. I can't really notice any changes on my top teeth though. The wire on the bottom ones has straightened out a bit I think. Maybe you can tell me if you see any changes.









I had to change my next ortho appointment, so i'll be going on the 19th for my first adjustment. I may post a few new photos then.

[Jay04]

I had my first adjustment on the 21st of July. She had to reposition one of the brackets (It was my right lower central incisor), and then just put a new wire in. I can feel the pressure on my teeth, but as of yet, no pain

I chose red when she asked if I wanted a new colour. I wasn't too sure when I looked in the mirror when I got home, but it's definately growing on me. I had one crooked central insisor which sat a tiny bit behind the other. As soon as I looked in the mirror that night after the adjustment, it had moved almost into place. I've noticed that when I take my removable brace out, my bite has changed quite a bit as my top teeth aren't hitting my braces when i bite down anymore. She said they only have to move a tiny bit more then i'll get my fixed brace on the top teeth too. Yay.

[BraceFace2o1o]

Hi Jay,

I just found this page while reading one of your replies in another thread. I have just read through your journey so far and will continue to follow your journey here, if you don't mind. I like that you can make a joke of the whole situation, I had a few giggles while reading through, especially when you mentioned smiling just with bottom teeth

I too should have had a brace on the NHS while a teenager. My dentist referred me when I was about 12 years old and I never heard anything more from him about it or any Ortho, so I kinda just gave up on the idea... back then I didn't want a brace anyway! at that age, I was like no way! But now, being 24 with crooked teeth still I regret I felt that way 10-12 years ago

I am now obviously going to have to pay privately, which is fine... but money is tight and I can only really afford £2500-£3000, but a friend told me that traditional braces are more in the range of £3500-£5000... which I am shocked at, because I thought they were actually cheaper than Invisalign! I originally planned to get Invisalign late last year (I was quoted £2000-£2400 so very affordable for me), but it never went ahead due to personal problems/money problems. I am now starting to consider a metal brace instead of Invisalign, but don't think I would be able to afford anymore than £3000 (the payments would need to be monthly too, I don't have cash, unfortunately). I have no issue with wearing a metal brace, rather than invisible braces like Invisalign, as I just want straight teeth... I don't care if people can see I am wearing a brace. I only wanted to go for Invisalign because of the very friendly Ortho I found and the great price. I understand most people who go with Invisalign do it purely because they prefer people not seeing their brace, which is fair enough.

Anyway, enough of me! I'm glad you are finally in braces and soon to have the teeth you've long wanted. I know how that feels, oh boy do I know how that feels

[Jay04]

Hey Chrystal,

You should definately shop around for orthos, as i've never heard of braces costing £5000. I suppose it depends on the area you live in, the sort of treatment you'd require, and does differ from one ortho to another, but most people i've talked to are paying around the £2500 mark for traditional braces. I suppose i'm lucky as i have both a great ortho, and a great price as i'm only paying £2000. I did consider invisalign, but i knew I wouldn't be dedicated enough to put them in all the time. I spoke to my dentist about it, but he didn't think my teeth were really suitable for it anyway, and said traditional braces would give me a better final result. At least if they're glued to my teeth, i can't forget to put them in I think fixed braces look quite cute anyway, and I love all the different colours you can choose each time. I may be the only person on this site who actually refuses to get them removed when debracing day arrives


Hope you find an ortho who quotes you a good price, let us know how you get on

[loradora]

I'm enjoying your story and your sense of humor. Hopefully you're able to eat better now. Did you mention how long they expect you to be wearing braces? I have lower braces only and went for my third adjustment earlier this week. I'm also wearing red now.

[BraceFace2o1o]

Hey Chrystal,

You should definately shop around for orthos, as i've never heard of braces costing £5000. I suppose it depends on the area you live in, the sort of treatment you'd require, and does differ from one ortho to another, but most people i've talked to are paying around the £2500 mark for traditional braces. I suppose i'm lucky as i have both a great ortho, and a great price as i'm only paying £2000. I did consider invisalign, but i knew I wouldn't be dedicated enough to put them in all the time. I spoke to my dentist about it, but he didn't think my teeth were really suitable for it anyway, and said traditional braces would give me a better final result. At least if they're glued to my teeth, i can't forget to put them in I think fixed braces look quite cute anyway, and I love all the different colours you can choose each time. I may be the only person on this site who actually refuses to get them removed when debracing day arrives


Hope you find an ortho who quotes you a good price, let us know how you get on

Hi Jay,

I did think £5000 sounded a bit too much too, but just wasn't sure as I've never had a quote for fixed braces. Perhaps the person I’ve spoken to heard wrong themselves

I am in Suffolk (South East), and haven’t a clue what prices local Orthos charge, but will have to do some research and shop around like you say.

I just contacted a friend on Facebook who I haven’t spoken to for a while. I remember about 6 months ago she decided to get fixed braces. I messaged her and asked how much she is paying and whether she has metal or ceramic, she has ceramic and is paying £1600! I was shocked, but, I don’t know what that includes… she may have had to pay extras for x-rays/molds etc and might even have to pay for a retainer.

£2000 sounds a great price! I’d be very happy to be in your position paying that and having found a great ortho. I’ve been told enough it’s not always about how cheap you can get treatment, but finding an ortho you’re comfortable/happy with.

I never went for a consultation for Invisalign (I cancelled my appointment I had in September last year). But have read many times that traditional braces are better, I suppose everyone has their own opinion on that.

I’d probably be the same (when it comes to wearing the aligners x amount of hours a day). I guess some people like the thought of fixed braces and some like removable ones, I’m not bothered either way, but I know I couldn’t ‘slack’ if they are glued to my teeth lol.

Your Purple ones looked cool! makes it fun .

Was ‘everything’ included in your £2000? Or did you have to pay for x-rays etc and retainer?

I'll be searching around soon for Orthos and seeing if I can book some appointments.

Chrystal

[Jay04]

I'm enjoying your story and your sense of humor. Hopefully you're able to eat better now. Did you mention how long they expect you to be wearing braces? I have lower braces only and went for my third adjustment earlier this week. I'm also wearing red now.

Thanks Loradora. I can eat alot better now. I imagine it's rather interesting to watch me eat though, as I liken my new chewing methods to that of a cow eating grass. I really shouldn't eat in public. I expect to be wearing them for 18 months overall which isn't too bad. Hope your 3rd adjustment wasn't too painful. I'm going for my next adjustment on the 24th of August I think. I'm still waiting for the pain. I feel like i'm cheating or something as my braces aren't bothering me at all. I expect all the ArchWired community who've experienced alot of pain during their treatment will virtually gang up on me soon. I'll probably look at this thread one day to find thousands of angry little faces awaiting my return in the replies.

Hi Jay,

I did think £5000 sounded a bit too much too, but just wasn't sure as I've never had a quote for fixed braces. Perhaps the person I’ve spoken to heard wrong themselves Confused

I am in Suffolk (South East), and haven’t a clue what prices local Orthos charge, but will have to do some research and shop around like you say.

I just contacted a friend on Facebook who I haven’t spoken to for a while. I remember about 6 months ago she decided to get fixed braces. I messaged her and asked how much she is paying and whether she has metal or ceramic, she has ceramic and is paying £1600! I was shocked, but, I don’t know what that includes… she may have had to pay extras for x-rays/molds etc and might even have to pay for a retainer.

£2000 sounds a great price! I’d be very happy to be in your position paying that and having found a great ortho. I’ve been told enough it’s not always about how cheap you can get treatment, but finding an ortho you’re comfortable/happy with.

I never went for a consultation for Invisalign (I cancelled my appointment I had in September last year). But have read many times that traditional braces are better, I suppose everyone has their own opinion on that.

I’d probably be the same (when it comes to wearing the aligners x amount of hours a day). I guess some people like the thought of fixed braces and some like removable ones, I’m not bothered either way, but I know I couldn’t ‘slack’ if they are glued to my teeth lol.

Your Purple ones looked cool! makes it fun Cool .

Was ‘everything’ included in your £2000? Or did you have to pay for x-rays etc and retainer?

I'll be searching around soon for Orthos and seeing if I can book some appointments.

Wow, £1600 sounds like a great price for ceramics. I decided against them, as I was told they were alot bigger than the metal ones and more expensive. I totally agree with you that it's not about how cheap your ortho is. The first one I visited was a nightmare. He only charged £70 for the initial consultation, but it was not worth it. I could tell he was awful by his attitude and by the things he told me. He actually told me my two front teeth would cross if he put braces on me, and I was like 'but isn't it your job to prevent that'.

The initial consultation with my new ortho was free, then she charged me £150 for the follow up consultation for the xrays and impressions, but it was so worth it. She explained everything to me in detail, and her attitude towards me made me trust her immediately. I'm so glad I didn't go with the first ortho, as I dread to think what my teeth may have ended up like. He actually did one of my school friends teeth when he was a teenager, and the end result was awful as he couldn't straighten his teeth. My bonded retainers at the end are also included in my £2000, and she is also giving me an extra set of plastic ones incase I ever break the bonded ones. She said It would keep my teeth straight until I could get back to her to get the bonded ones fixed. I thought that was great, as they usually try to give you as little as possible for your money.

[Jay04]

I've been in braces for 2 months today. I'm always updating with new pics on the 1st of every month to see if there are any changes. I have to say i've noticed a huge change in my bite.

This is a before braces photo where i'm clenching my teeth together.


After 2 months in braces, this is what my new bite looks like when I clench my teeth together. My upper teeth are no longer hitting the gumline of my lower teeth. YAY


Here's a few more pics