My name is Melody, 25 years old from Australia. I wanted to join this site after searching many websites prior to having my braces put on - I was so worried about it all I spent alot of time reading other people's experiences and I find it did help me prepare & know what to expect. So I decided i would also like to contribute and help others who may be in a similar position.
My braces went on 27th January of this year, ceramic uppers and metal lowers.
I was advised I have a shorter lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, a scissor bite, overbite of 5mm compared to the normal 2-3mm and an overjet of 3-10mm compared to a normal 2-3mm. Yes I am a bit of a mess, but i've seen worse too.
I was meant to have braces as a child but as i was an EXTREMELY self conscious, overweight and sensitive child I just refused, as i didn't want anymore bullying than I was already going through.
As i got older, I started to look after myself and got into great shape and my confidence grew. However my teeth had started to get worse (my 2 front teeth were pushed in, and the teeth on either side stuck out) Apart from my teeth I was otherwise comfortable with my appearance, I even did promotional modelling work on one occassion however my smile meant I didn't get called back for anything more. My smile was letting me down.The turning point was when a guy told me I should fix my 'horse teeth' and rather than get upset, I went straight to the dentist for a referal. It was something i had to do for myself before it got too late.
I was quoted $8,000 to go ahead with it. They were putting me ahead to take part in the new SureSmile program, which apparently cuts your time in braces. I was originally told it would be 20 months but it will be less. I was also going to need extractions. Yes it made me cringe, as i realised my health insurance did not cover orthodontic work. I'd need to wait 2 years. I didn't want to wait, so I bit the bullet and I agreed to go ahead with it. Lucky I have a good job as my parents were not going to help me, not that i would dare ask them to!
After having then put on, I hated it. I hated when i smiled and my lips got stuck in the brackets. No-one had told me how to use that wax stuff. My gums were so sore and I had so much trouble eating. I kept telling myself that it will all be worth it. My job involves meeting with clients so that was also hard - acting confident when i felt like I had a fat mouth. Especially as one tooth really stuck out - having a bracket on top of it meant my mouth looked plain stupid. It was hard, the first couple of months were horrible.
Yesterday I had the 2 extractions, to make room to fit all my top teeth in perfectly straight. I'd asked to be put out so i dont remember it. Afterwards i went straight to the orthodontist where they replaced the wire and tightened it all up alot to start closing the gaps. It was painful, and probably the worst hurdle i have to get over. So far, so good. I can't wait for my perfect smile
