Gaining Courage!

[LittleSuzie]

Hi everyone!

I've been reading this forum for some time now.. It's been my motivation that's for sure! Braces are definitely a huge step but one that is so worthy in the end. Like most I have a terrible fear of all thing dentistry and I can always find 101 excuses as to why not to go.

I have a bit of crowding in the top as well as a little in the bottom, and I guess it gets more apparent over time. I'm 24 now, and have always wanted braces but it's not something that you want as a child... It's just not 'cool' thennnn you grow up and realise it could have done a whole world of good (AND parents could have paid for it... Damnit! haha).

I'll start my journey off next week when I go to my dentist next week for him to finish my root canal off.. He also does braces.. So I assume that makes him an Ortho too . He's suggested braces to me before and told me what it could do for me (I totally agreed). I actually enjoy going to him, and his assistant is great too. (Can't believe I can say I kinda enjoy visiting the dentist after many years of not going... I had many fillings and wisdoms out too, AND a root canal.. All over the past 6 months). I suppose my only concern with him doing my braces would be the cost.. He's located in the city (I also live in the city so he's close to me) and whilst I really would trust he'd do a great job, I know I should shop around for a few quotes as I know city prices will probably be more.. So far he's been on the upper scale of reasonable, but reasonably priced nonetheless (But gosh don't we all want super cheap work done that's super perfect!). Hehe.

Argh wow! Novel much! I guess once you've made up your mind it's very exciting! (Plus everyones teeth on here just look AMAZING!)

That's all for now, It's nice to meet you all!

Suzie xox

[katiekatie80]

Bestof luck for your appointment!! I'm having my 6 month smile fixed braces fitted on Friday-I have to say reading everyone's stories and seeing their pictures makes me think 6 months will fly by!1 I'm sure the 1st week will drag though-eeekkk!! Good luck!
K

[rhomboid]

I have not heard of a Dentist that also is an Orthodontist, each is a very demanding profession on its own. Good luck to you, getting braces is a great thing.

[noveldevice]

Actually, anyone who can order brackets and other supplies can put on braces. That doesn't make them an orthodontist.

I'd check and see if your dentist is board-certified for orthodontia. If he or she isn't board-certified, they're not an orthodontist. You're taking your teeth in your hands, as it were, getting braces from someone who hasn't actually studied orthodontia.

[LittleSuzie]

Perhaps it's different in different countries? I checked out their qualifications prior to getting any work done with them (as anyone should do with anything they get done on a medical level - Can never be too careful!). I work within the med school postgrad uni system, mainly in finance but with that comes the requirement of qualification knowledge. Which is handy when knowing which 'registration body' within industries means more than the other.

It is scary stuff, and I totally agree with you, people should always check out the qualifications as a prerequisite to having any dental work done. (I had a friend during highschool who had a horror story, I guess that's always in the back of my head, fear-wise). Ick.

As for the clinic I go to, there is a few doctors there who 'meddle' in both. I guess that seeing as they have to study dentistry prior to their post grad studies in orthodontia they are quite capable of doing both. They're a small specialist clinic in the city (they also don't deal a lot with school children due to this), I presume keeping a small-ish client list allows them to focus on their clients on a personal level throughout their whole process.. I quite like knowing that I don't have to see different people with regards to different issues I have with my teeth. Atleast it's all in the one spot if I have any issues it can be fixed by the same person. Not to mention some dentists / orthodontists make you feel like you're a 'rushed' client because they take appointments from everyone, never on schedule and are prone to mistakes. (Which I recently had a 2nd and 3rd quote for braces, at 'Orthodontists' who made me feel exactly like this... but they were a little bit cheaper too). I guess you can never really tell!

Thanks for the concerns! It's comforting to know there are a lot of people on here with a lot of experience!

[ShainaMichelle]

Best of luck to you... The first week will defiantly be a drag but I'm sure it'll be fine