Keep Going.....

[tomrsvee]

Well, I'll be 52 next month, and I'm finishing up my 1st year in braces. I most likely have another year to go, but I have to admit, it's getting old. I can't count how many times people have asked me when I'm getting them off, and I'm tired of responding that I'll get them off when they've accomplished their task.
OK, anyone else made it through the first year? How do you keep up the good spirits? How do you get that 2nd wind?

[Jethro]

Hey tomrsvee,

This is the 2nd time around for me and I'm coming up on 20 months since B-Day. Many on this forum have expressed hitting a bit of a slump around the 1-year mark, myself included. I found it helpful to take a look at my begining pics to see how much things have improved and to keep in mind this is a journey without a precise start and end date. My original estimate was 18 months, but it looks like it will be closer to 24 months (or more). I always follow my ortho's directions explicitly regarding elastics, etc., but I'm much more relaxed about the timeline than I was a few months back...I guess you could say I got my 2nd wind! (Of course, I'm REALLY looking forward to getting them off!).

So hang in there and don't forget to have an adult beverage, as appropriate!

[tomrsvee]

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I have hit that slump, I think. And I appreciate your advice.

[Donna]

I've just made it through the first year, and I started getting antsy around 9-10 months. However, my original estimate was only 12-18 months and I think I'm pretty close to the end. The year really flew by, though. I hope your second year goes quickly as well. Good luck!

[rhomboid]

i am just a few months behind you both in age and treatment. i have also heard the same question, but it really doesn't bother me and i hope that doesn't change. you will be ok, hang in there.

[tomrsvee]

Yes, time does fly by, and considering my age, HAH!, I don't want to wish time away. My ortho is particularly cautious about giving end dates, probably burned too many times, but gave me a hint of 'less than a year to go.' My mirror tells me that's true, still some work to be done, but much progress has been made.

[joeybanks]

I have 2 years as of Sept 27th and people constantly ask me. I don't know because my ortho will not speak to me directly. Tomorrow is another adjustment and I am putting my foot down. I want to know! I have seen NO progress in months and he has changes wires in months. I don't know what to do. The space on the top set of teeth is worse than it was when I started out. All I tell myself is hang in there. Not much I can do. But tomorrow I WILL get some sort of answer. Good luck to you!

[Sandpiper]

Joeybanks, that's really frustrating. Did you get a decent answer??

[tomrsvee]

Yes, I'd like to know how your visit went too! Maybe talk to your dentist?