Heya,
I just joined this.. maybe a tad prematurely. I won't get my braces on until January. I'm trying to decide to either do invisalign or ceramic on top and traditional on bottom.
I have a 100% deep bite and my bite isn't aligned on one side, so will need rubber bands on one side. Also, have an issue with my jaw on one side - it clicks - never really bothered me all that much though.
I'm just debating about the options. I realize invisalign has the advantages of taking them off - but they're so expensive and I eat/drink all the time throughout my day during the week.. so probably wouldn't wear them much until I got home.
Although, I'm dreading the flossing and possible ulcer issues with traditional braces..
Anyways, just a quick hello.
Heya from a newbie
Moderator: bbsadmin
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hello,
I joined a few days ago and I don't have braces yet either. I don't even have a date for them as I've got my first appointment on the 8th. It'll be the first time a professional has looked at my teeth in about seven years. I'll probably need extractions first but will hopefully get braces soon after.
I'm not looking forward to the issues of traditional braces but they're my only option really. I'm also quite excited.
I hope you like it here.
Alex
I joined a few days ago and I don't have braces yet either. I don't even have a date for them as I've got my first appointment on the 8th. It'll be the first time a professional has looked at my teeth in about seven years. I'll probably need extractions first but will hopefully get braces soon after.
I'm not looking forward to the issues of traditional braces but they're my only option really. I'm also quite excited.
I hope you like it here.
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
Hi Alex,
Good luck and let me know how it goes! I did tell the orthodontist that I would not have gone the braces route if I needed more teeth pulled (I just had my two top wisdom pulled a couple of months ago - wasn't too bad, but I would not want to repeat it unless I HAD to).
But, yeah.. I'm a bit excited to get this fixed finally and move on. Hopefully I will stop grinding my teeth!
Good luck and let me know how it goes! I did tell the orthodontist that I would not have gone the braces route if I needed more teeth pulled (I just had my two top wisdom pulled a couple of months ago - wasn't too bad, but I would not want to repeat it unless I HAD to).
But, yeah.. I'm a bit excited to get this fixed finally and move on. Hopefully I will stop grinding my teeth!
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hi,
Good luck to you too. I can't wait to get started. I'm most nervous about having the moulds done- I gag so easily- and if I need a retainer after. I couldn't wear a Hawley which goes on the roof of your mouth. Extractions don't worry me so much because I don't mind the injections. Having a cut up mouth that hurts like hell worries me far more than that rubber mouth sensation after an injection.
Have a look at my 'Hello. New Here.' thread to see my teeth and why I need the extractions. And don't let needing more extractions put you off. Wisdom teeth are an exception. Extracting them is quite involved and can be unpleasant. Other teeth are much much easier. You can have four out in 20 minutes apparently and the gaps close after braces.
Keep us all posted.
Alex
Good luck to you too. I can't wait to get started. I'm most nervous about having the moulds done- I gag so easily- and if I need a retainer after. I couldn't wear a Hawley which goes on the roof of your mouth. Extractions don't worry me so much because I don't mind the injections. Having a cut up mouth that hurts like hell worries me far more than that rubber mouth sensation after an injection.
Have a look at my 'Hello. New Here.' thread to see my teeth and why I need the extractions. And don't let needing more extractions put you off. Wisdom teeth are an exception. Extracting them is quite involved and can be unpleasant. Other teeth are much much easier. You can have four out in 20 minutes apparently and the gaps close after braces.
Keep us all posted.
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
Ah, I've heard about the molds. I haven't gone through them yet. I assume you could probably talk to your orthodontist about getting the essix retainers after your braces are off? I'm not sure what the advantages/disadvantages are of either. My orthodontist won't discuss it until close to when the treatment is done. They stated it would depend - if I need a nightguard or not.
Hmm. Maybe I'm biased about the extractions due to the wisdom teeth! I will check out your thread!
Hmm. Maybe I'm biased about the extractions due to the wisdom teeth! I will check out your thread!
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hiya,
I don't mean to scare you about the moulds. It's really not that big a deal. They just fill a plastic tray with this stuff that looks like wet cement and it goes in your mouth for 30 seconds. Some people have said it feels like a mouthful of silly putty. I have to admit, as I recall from last time, the stuff itself didn't bother me. It didn't taste of anything- you can get flavours- and it was done with really quick. The bottom one was fine. I just found the top one difficult because of my gag reflex.
I have heard that there are techniques which can help, like twiddling your thumbs or kicking your feet and I plan to tell the ortho I might struggle beforehand, in case he has any more advice. Oh and, if you're thinking of Invisalign, one thing to bear in mind is that the moulds for that take a bit longer. Ceramics are less visible but can be slightly bigger and slightly more delicate, I understand. Personally, I think metal is fine and I'm not worried about how they look.
When it comes to it, I will have to ask my ortho about the retainers. I've heard good things about the Hawley and I quite like the fact that they're not over the biting surface of the teeth. I don't know if I could tolerate it, but it might be possible to get a test plate or something before getting the real thing. I don't know whether Essix retainers are as effective and I don't like the thought of eating with them. There are also bonded ones, which are metal and fixed on permanently behind the teeth, which sound good. I'd be up for that, as long as they didn't affect my speech, which stuff behind the teeth can do.
If it comes to wearing something overnight, I'm a mouth breather at night. I always breathe through my mouth. Maybe that has to be taken into consideration. Here are some pictures;
Alex
I don't mean to scare you about the moulds. It's really not that big a deal. They just fill a plastic tray with this stuff that looks like wet cement and it goes in your mouth for 30 seconds. Some people have said it feels like a mouthful of silly putty. I have to admit, as I recall from last time, the stuff itself didn't bother me. It didn't taste of anything- you can get flavours- and it was done with really quick. The bottom one was fine. I just found the top one difficult because of my gag reflex.
I have heard that there are techniques which can help, like twiddling your thumbs or kicking your feet and I plan to tell the ortho I might struggle beforehand, in case he has any more advice. Oh and, if you're thinking of Invisalign, one thing to bear in mind is that the moulds for that take a bit longer. Ceramics are less visible but can be slightly bigger and slightly more delicate, I understand. Personally, I think metal is fine and I'm not worried about how they look.
When it comes to it, I will have to ask my ortho about the retainers. I've heard good things about the Hawley and I quite like the fact that they're not over the biting surface of the teeth. I don't know if I could tolerate it, but it might be possible to get a test plate or something before getting the real thing. I don't know whether Essix retainers are as effective and I don't like the thought of eating with them. There are also bonded ones, which are metal and fixed on permanently behind the teeth, which sound good. I'd be up for that, as long as they didn't affect my speech, which stuff behind the teeth can do.
If it comes to wearing something overnight, I'm a mouth breather at night. I always breathe through my mouth. Maybe that has to be taken into consideration. Here are some pictures;
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
Heya,
For some odd reason, I can't see any images. Just an FYI.
I'm not too bothered by the molds. I was given a heads up from a co-worker who already had it done at the same place.. he stated it wasn't that bad.
I'm not sure about invisalign. It'd be different if it was the same cost and if I could wear them while eating/drinking. I just tend to do that way too much at work. I can't see myself changing those habits. I don't really mind too much the ceramic or the metal - altho I prefer not having the metal on the top though - I have a feeling I'm going to look 15 with braces.
I have the same concerns that you do about the retainers. I'd actually rather have the hawley than the essix - I'm not sure if I could stand it surrounding my teeth like that. Another reason I'm unsure about invsialign.
But, I guess we have a ways off before we have to worry about retainers.
For some odd reason, I can't see any images. Just an FYI.
I'm not too bothered by the molds. I was given a heads up from a co-worker who already had it done at the same place.. he stated it wasn't that bad.
I'm not sure about invisalign. It'd be different if it was the same cost and if I could wear them while eating/drinking. I just tend to do that way too much at work. I can't see myself changing those habits. I don't really mind too much the ceramic or the metal - altho I prefer not having the metal on the top though - I have a feeling I'm going to look 15 with braces.
I have the same concerns that you do about the retainers. I'd actually rather have the hawley than the essix - I'm not sure if I could stand it surrounding my teeth like that. Another reason I'm unsure about invsialign.
But, I guess we have a ways off before we have to worry about retainers.
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hiya,
Sorry about the pictures. They appear fine to me. Can you see pictures elsewhere on this site? Try this link to the album I posted from.
http://yfrog.com/55imgp0338zjx
Invisalign is out of my price range too. Plus it doesn't work for everyone and if your problems are bigger, like mine, they might not be your best bet. I don't know whether you can eat with them or not but I would think you can. I don't really know. I'm also a 'grazer' and I know that'll have to change when I get braces or cleaning will be a tedious job. Maybe I'll lose some weight.
I also think I'll look years younger. I already do look about 15 and that'll get ten times worse. I'm unemployed and hate going to interviews for a job. I feel like a kid trying on my mum's work clothes or some work experience student. I can't wear heels for health reasons so I go in with flat shoes and make-up makes me look even more like a kid so I don't wear that either. Then a 25-year-old walks in looking mature and glamourous, with heels and makeup and years of experience and I'm shown the door. The braces really won't help. Then again, I'm not sure my hideous smile makes much of an impression.
Alex
Sorry about the pictures. They appear fine to me. Can you see pictures elsewhere on this site? Try this link to the album I posted from.
http://yfrog.com/55imgp0338zjx
Invisalign is out of my price range too. Plus it doesn't work for everyone and if your problems are bigger, like mine, they might not be your best bet. I don't know whether you can eat with them or not but I would think you can. I don't really know. I'm also a 'grazer' and I know that'll have to change when I get braces or cleaning will be a tedious job. Maybe I'll lose some weight.
I also think I'll look years younger. I already do look about 15 and that'll get ten times worse. I'm unemployed and hate going to interviews for a job. I feel like a kid trying on my mum's work clothes or some work experience student. I can't wear heels for health reasons so I go in with flat shoes and make-up makes me look even more like a kid so I don't wear that either. Then a 25-year-old walks in looking mature and glamourous, with heels and makeup and years of experience and I'm shown the door. The braces really won't help. Then again, I'm not sure my hideous smile makes much of an impression.
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
Odd, must have been my browser.. I can see them from my laptop.
I wouldn't worry about the job and braces. I know of several that have braces here at work. Looking young has advantages down the line
But, true about invisalign - that's one reason why it makes me nervous. It may not work. Which means metal braces in the end anyways. I'm getting a second consult..but so far, the dentist and orthodontist has said the same thing. I may call the dentist and see what they recommend between the two options.
I wouldn't worry about the job and braces. I know of several that have braces here at work. Looking young has advantages down the line
But, true about invisalign - that's one reason why it makes me nervous. It may not work. Which means metal braces in the end anyways. I'm getting a second consult..but so far, the dentist and orthodontist has said the same thing. I may call the dentist and see what they recommend between the two options.
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hiya,
Replying slightly later than usual. I had to put myself in enforced internet seclusion to get some uni work done. I spend too much time online.
If you want to post pictures too, there's a 'how to' thread on here. I use ImageShack which provides the forum code. We can only post pictures of our teeth because, would you believe, there are brace fetishists out there. Creepy.
Getting a second consultation is a good idea but if your dentist and ortho are in agreement, metal are probably your best bet. You may be able to go part ceramic, part metal though. I plan to make a feature of them and go for colours, if I get the option.
I'm going to take it a day at a time thought. First, this appointment and then the next. I'm sure I'll be happy looking 25 when I'm 40 and I'm not bothered about going to work with braces but it's getting in that's the issue. First impressions mean so much.
Alex
Replying slightly later than usual. I had to put myself in enforced internet seclusion to get some uni work done. I spend too much time online.
If you want to post pictures too, there's a 'how to' thread on here. I use ImageShack which provides the forum code. We can only post pictures of our teeth because, would you believe, there are brace fetishists out there. Creepy.
Getting a second consultation is a good idea but if your dentist and ortho are in agreement, metal are probably your best bet. You may be able to go part ceramic, part metal though. I plan to make a feature of them and go for colours, if I get the option.
I'm going to take it a day at a time thought. First, this appointment and then the next. I'm sure I'll be happy looking 25 when I'm 40 and I'm not bothered about going to work with braces but it's getting in that's the issue. First impressions mean so much.
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
That is a tad strange about the fetish.. To be honest, you could google "deep bite" and that's my teeth. I have pretty straight teeth, just the deep bite/grinding and slight misalign issue.
Yeah, I'm thinking of going ceramic on the top and metal on the bottom. I'm just curious what the second opinion will say. Hopefully nothing too drastically different.
The colors would be cool, but I feel like I'd be a tad too old for that.
Good luck with your appointments and good idea about taking it one step at a time. It probably really depends on what type of job you're going for. I don't work with customers or sales.. so it's really not that big of a deal. Maybe if you were in sales, it'd be a tad different.
p.s. still awaiting my dentists answer about invisalign vs. metal.
Yeah, I'm thinking of going ceramic on the top and metal on the bottom. I'm just curious what the second opinion will say. Hopefully nothing too drastically different.
The colors would be cool, but I feel like I'd be a tad too old for that.
Good luck with your appointments and good idea about taking it one step at a time. It probably really depends on what type of job you're going for. I don't work with customers or sales.. so it's really not that big of a deal. Maybe if you were in sales, it'd be a tad different.
p.s. still awaiting my dentists answer about invisalign vs. metal.
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hiya,
Strange I know, but there you are. There's even advice about making fake braces.
I hope your second appointment goes well and the two opinions were the same. Mixing and matching the ceramic and metal sounds good. You have to do what's best for you.
I'm not sure about colours. But I have a sight problem and I think colour on the brackets would help with cleaning. I've seen adults with colours so I know they look ok. I would just not go mad and select multi-colours or something like that. That's if colours are offered as an option.
My first appointment is over with and blogged. I think you've come across my new blog already:
www.betterlateblog.blogspot.com
I'm looking forward to the deep clean a lot and not too nervous about the filling, except for my gag reflex. I'll do my best but I don't want to make it difficult for him. Hopefully, I won't struggle as much in an afternoon as in a morning appointment. I'm most nervous about after, when I ask him what's next? The filling and clean is all he can do for me but he said he'd then refer me to an ortho. I want to ask about that.
Alex
Strange I know, but there you are. There's even advice about making fake braces.
I hope your second appointment goes well and the two opinions were the same. Mixing and matching the ceramic and metal sounds good. You have to do what's best for you.
I'm not sure about colours. But I have a sight problem and I think colour on the brackets would help with cleaning. I've seen adults with colours so I know they look ok. I would just not go mad and select multi-colours or something like that. That's if colours are offered as an option.
My first appointment is over with and blogged. I think you've come across my new blog already:
www.betterlateblog.blogspot.com
I'm looking forward to the deep clean a lot and not too nervous about the filling, except for my gag reflex. I'll do my best but I don't want to make it difficult for him. Hopefully, I won't struggle as much in an afternoon as in a morning appointment. I'm most nervous about after, when I ask him what's next? The filling and clean is all he can do for me but he said he'd then refer me to an ortho. I want to ask about that.
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
When you go to the ortho, let us know how it goes! (I assume you'll blog about it..)
I didn't need too much before hand, except getting my top two wisdom teeth pulled (regardless if I needed braces or not). I had one cavity and my dentist just stated the wisdom teeth needed to go. I didn't even go to the ortho until 2mths later.
My dentist stated that invisalign would be easier to take care of due to taking them out, but stated that whatever the orthodontist recommended - is what I should go for.
I'm also curious if there is a big cost discrepancy between the two ortho consults. I'm guessing not though.
I didn't need too much before hand, except getting my top two wisdom teeth pulled (regardless if I needed braces or not). I had one cavity and my dentist just stated the wisdom teeth needed to go. I didn't even go to the ortho until 2mths later.
My dentist stated that invisalign would be easier to take care of due to taking them out, but stated that whatever the orthodontist recommended - is what I should go for.
I'm also curious if there is a big cost discrepancy between the two ortho consults. I'm guessing not though.
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aveggiewriter
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:26 am
- Location: UK
Hiya,
Yeah, I will blog. But I've no idea how long it will take even to get to see an ortho. I've got this filling and clean and that's not until December 13th and then I don't know what's next. The dentist can't do any more for me. I am going to ask him about referral to an ortho but then I'll probably be stuck on a waiting list. Things do take a while on the NHS. I can't afford to go private though. Even on the NHS, I'm looking at £2000-£2500 for two years in full braces, because I'm too old now to be eligible for free ones.
What I'm having on the 13th, a filling, is because of a cavity and then the clean. I'm not sure about my wisdom teeth. They might have to be taken out before braces or later. They're not through yet and if they came while I was in braces there could be serious problems. I'm sure your dentist is right that Invisalign are easier to care for but surely your treatment would take longer and they might get broken or lose their shape if you're taking them out often.
Speak to you soon,
Alex
Yeah, I will blog. But I've no idea how long it will take even to get to see an ortho. I've got this filling and clean and that's not until December 13th and then I don't know what's next. The dentist can't do any more for me. I am going to ask him about referral to an ortho but then I'll probably be stuck on a waiting list. Things do take a while on the NHS. I can't afford to go private though. Even on the NHS, I'm looking at £2000-£2500 for two years in full braces, because I'm too old now to be eligible for free ones.
What I'm having on the 13th, a filling, is because of a cavity and then the clean. I'm not sure about my wisdom teeth. They might have to be taken out before braces or later. They're not through yet and if they came while I was in braces there could be serious problems. I'm sure your dentist is right that Invisalign are easier to care for but surely your treatment would take longer and they might get broken or lose their shape if you're taking them out often.
Speak to you soon,
Alex
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drgnchsr36
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:26 am
The wisdom teeth would more than likely need to be taken out before (just a guess on my part though). I only had one wisdom tooth that was through, the other was impacted and I do admit that side is where I felt it after they got pulled. The side where the tooth came down and had the cavity, I don't even notice its missing nor get food stuck in it. It's weird.
I guess it's a bit different in the UK, here.. I just went in for a dentist visit and asked about a nightguard to protect my teeth from nightly grinding and they noticed the bite and referred me to an ortho. I'm assuming your dentist probably has an ortho that they use to refer patients to - just ask them what they think.
The price of braces isn't cheap, I admit. But, cheaper than getting implants later down the line..and I get to keep my teeth.
I guess it's a bit different in the UK, here.. I just went in for a dentist visit and asked about a nightguard to protect my teeth from nightly grinding and they noticed the bite and referred me to an ortho. I'm assuming your dentist probably has an ortho that they use to refer patients to - just ask them what they think.
The price of braces isn't cheap, I admit. But, cheaper than getting implants later down the line..and I get to keep my teeth.