New to braces and this board!

[Nancita]

Hello all,

I wanted to introduce my self; I am 25 years old and just got clear braces! I have been waiting for this for what feels like my whole life! Like all of you I have suffered through most of my life with horrible teeth. I never smile and hate taking pictures, and when I do it’s my practiced grin that shows no teeth. I feel a true sense of relief that I will soon be able to smile with no reservations :)

Here is a little info on my treatment:

-I have always been very scared of dental work (had a horrible experience as a kid).
-I had tons of work done before I got them put in. Had a root canal, onlays/inlays, fillings, extractions done in order to get to this point. I have had it all!
-Had them for 1 week!
-Also wearing a bite plate (can't chew)
-Only have the top on for now
-Treatment time is about 24 months

Looking forward to everyone’s words of wisdom and helping where ever I can :)

[Nancita]

I get to post a pic now! Yay! Here is my new accessory!

[smilehope]

Hi there - welcome! Chewing will get a bit easier, I started off with 1 lower tooth meeting my plate, and now its 2 or 3 depending on how I hold my jaw! Salads defeat me but most other things are now ok after 5 weeks.

[BrAcEr357]

I am a 25 year old guy and just got metal uppers just this past Wednesday (April 11th). Unfortunately, I am not new to braces as I had them about 10 or so years ago but after my 6 month retention period I stopped wearing my retainers and my wisdom teeth came in early and were impacted causing everything to shift. I am going to wear my retainers religiously this time and I know how much money & time it cost me on the second go around. I will own my smile this time.

I also have been quoted a similar treatment time (approx 2 years), it will be interesting to see how we progress along. Ortho says bottoms in a month or two. Also not many people have not noticed that I have traditional metal braces, yay. My bottom teeth are more visible though, I am sure that people will notice then but then I can say I have had them for over a month (referring to the uppers).

I wish you luck on your journey, communicate with your ortho, keep up with your treatment regimen (it can be difficult with all of the discomfort, not being able to bite, etc) and lastly wear your retainers

[badbites]

Welcome! I've recently started a similar journey.

http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtop ... 13&t=41750

My teeth are decently straight, but I have many bite issues (hence my username) which will mean a lengthy treatment time.

Are you simply straightening or do you have bite issues also?

Anyhow, good luck and hope you have good progress!

[pocketlint]

Hope all is going smoothly for you, Keep us posted on your progress!

[OctoCat]

Stay the course! It's tough at times but totally worth it. You can do it!