Do I continue with treatment?

[Elephantinmymouth]

Hello,

After years of hating my teeth, a brace at 14, a relapse and a cross-bite I decided to tackle the problem head on. I am an english 23 year old girl so this was a really difficult decision for me to make but one I knew I had to. Very luckily, I was accepted on the NHS which means all the treatment will be paid by the government. This is quite rare and will save me about £4000!

I had a palatal expander since June (to correct my bite) and got my ceramic train tracks on my top teeth in October. My Ortho told me that the whole treatment would be around 12 months. Not so bad, I thought...

I have just returned from the orthodontist, got a bit of a shock as they told me that although my top set will be straight in 6 months, there will be an open bite. To alter this, I was told I would need a bottom brace. For a year. So, instead of finishing in June 2012.... treatment would end in March 2013! I got really upset as I thought I was on countdown. But, to be told I have another 14 months to go was very difficult to hear.

Now... my Ortho said that I didn't have to have the bottom set on. I could have a straight top set but they just wouldn't fit perfectly. WHAT DO I DO? Finish in 6 months... or wait another 14 (!!) months and get the perfect result, all free of charge?!

Obviously, the desired result would be perfect alignment, perfectly straight and the perfect bite. But, I am not sure I can cope with sooo much more treatment. Vanity, sure, is playing a huge role in my decision.

I would love your opinions on this?! Also, check out my blog... documenting my honest story of being "embraced", elephantinmymouth @ blogspot. com

Thanks guys...

[MetalMouf]

Hi, I'm new here but I would say go on with the full treatment. Time passes one way or another and by the time you're done you will be happy you did it. Further, it may prevent problems down the line...imagine if after all that trouble, taking them off early meant you had to redo treatment!

By the way, when you have the bottom braces on would you still have the top ones? If not, even more the reason to get the bottom braces (but do it regardless!)

[klobird]

Hey E--I know this is a difficult decision for you. You're 23--14 more months in the scheme of things is not that long. It will be over before you know it! Please don't make any decisions until the shock has worn off and you are able to cope better and see things more clearly....

It is sooooo important for you to trust your orthodontist---if you are seriously questioning his judgment, then please get another opinion before you have them removed.

How would you like to be 55 and wearing braces because your bite is so off that it could cause you to lose teeth? Cuz that's me--and even though the thought of it is disgusting, you WILL be 55 some day too!!

[jem]

Dear El,

From reading your blog it sounds as though you have already gone through the worst part of your treatment. I am sure everyone on this site will advise you to see out the full course of treatment, especially if the NHS is going to fund it. You will almost certainly have regrets later if you do not and you are young enough to enjoy years of having a prefect smile and bite for only a small investment of time now.

For someone with your magnificent sense of humour, coping with the additional time braced should be no problem.

Jem

[nessness]

Hey El,

In my opinion and I think what is best is that you should finish your treatment. You'll be bringing all sorts of problems in the future if you just stop, besides the hardest part is out of the way and a year is just a year.
Having a perfect smile AND bite, is better than just having a nice smile

[tiggertiffin87]

I agree with everyone else. Do the full treatment. The longer you wait to fix your bit the worse it gets. I waited and now I get jaw pain whenever I try eating anything. So I finally got braced.

[Snowglobe32]

I agree with everyone- get both arches braced. Why put all the time into it and not have a perfect smile? The time flies by so fast and it may not take as long as they said. If I didn't have to pay for my braces, I would wear them for 3 years! You are very lucky. Take advantage of the opportunity.

[Elephantinmymouth]

Hello all,

Thank you all for your opinions and advice - all greatly appreciated. You are all right and I am going to take the plunge properly. I guess it was just the shock, I will continue to rock the brace!! Please follow my journey, its been a bumpy one so far... elephantinmymouth. blogspot. com xx