Hi Ebony, Well I just woke up early this morning (near Toronto, Ontario, Canada). I signed in briefly, just to view some new posts. Let me say I read your entire blog from beginning to end, what a great inspiring story. You may not feel like this, but you are helping others out there who have similar fears (mostly preconceived or unknown worries - almost always, the reality is never as bad as we imagine it to be). I know you have heard this before and will hear it again and again - you are very brave and should feel proud that you have come this far. Please don't give up now, go the distance and when you look back on this one day, you will be glad you stayed the course. Hopefully my story should help you decide. I am 62 years old and had braces put on for the first time on Jan.31/12 (a day I'll always remember and celebrate). Three months into my journey, it's surreal, but I have absolutely no regrets.
After avoiding dentists for 5 long years due to procrastination and phobia of the whole thing associated with dental offices (bad experience as a young child), last October, I finally mustered up the courage to visit a new dentist close to my office. I also had to go out of necessity, as I had two broken teeth that needed restoration work, so could not delay this dreaded visit any longer. The dentist and his staff were wonderful, very patient and caring, it didn't take me too many visits to finally start to relax and my anxieties eased. All my life, I had wanted braces as I have very crooked teeth front and bottom. Turns out my whole alignment on back teeth are poor too, thus the broken teeth. No dentist had ever told me I would have trouble later on in life, if I didn't have my teeth straightened. Well one thing led to another, some initial temporary restoration work was done, major cleaning by the hygienist, turns out I had gingivitis because of my neglect, so wicked treatment of vile tasting prescription strength mouthwashes cured that; then I went on to need tissue gum grafting on some lower teeth - all this leading up to Christmas, what was I getting into?
I was now determined to undergo more restoration work to replace old and deep fillings, maybe a crown or two, an implant and I would be done. A twist of fate intervened, disappointment and elation soon followed. My dentist sat me down with his Assistant and I truly wasn't prepared for what came next. My dentist who is wonderful by the way, strongly encouraged me to once and for all consider investing in braces. He told me if I didn't have my alignment and bite corrected, any teeth or crowns will continue to fracture and break, or eventual dentures may be necessary. He would not proceed with restoration, as this would be best done at the end of ortho' treatment )due to shifting of teeth) Yikes, this was music to my ears, but oh so scary too. I had dreamed about braces one day, but now wasn't I simply to old to begin such a lifelong dream? I was always so self conscious about my crooked smile and just wished I had taken action years ago. My fears just were greater than my desires, I guess. He told me many older adults are wearing braces and he told me a wonderful story about another patient of his who was 72 years old and how beautiful she is now for having done this. Well, this lady, though I never met her, became my Sonya mentor of sorts...if she can do it, so can I. Good news (there was some glimmer of hope), he said I had good strong roots and bone in the jaw, so I would be a good candidate for braces (but my teeth were a train wreck - my words/not his).
Yep, so I had nothing to lose to consult with the Orthodontist, he recommended. My first couple of consults were easy, I didn't know what to expect so I just let them have their way with me, they showed me scrapbooks of before and after patients, took a series of x-rays, molds, photos etc - the works. I was now embedded for osterity in their computer files. Went back in again for a 3rd consult and decided I'm ready to get on with it, no matter what. Ortho' Doc explains what he intends to do and shows me those disgusting close up shots of my teeth on his computer screen - well that on it's own was motivating enough for me (decided I wanted to be in the "After" pictures scrapbook). App't was made for braces to go on Jan.31st. Was a big emotional day for me and I came through it much easier than I thought I would. Of course, I won't lie and tell you these past three months have been easy, as I had my troubles adjusting to the wires, elastics, spacers and molar bands (ouch, sharp cleats). It's been rather fun too, researching on-line, discovering this website, telling everyone "look at me, I have braces", hearing peoples reactions and their stories about braces. I'm not self conscious or worried about what people think (maybe my age helps), I'm so over that. People tell me they hardly even notice them. It's really not a big deal to anyone else. My Boss is fascinated with the progress, he and some other colleagues remark that they can see a difference already in my looks...I too notice the subtle changes and see that movement is happening. I know there are some surprises likely in store, before my journey ends, but "this too shall pass" and I am one determined lady to see my new smile one day...(I'l be hot hot hot), I am already planning a big exotic vacation to celebrate debracing day.
So Ebony and others who are reading this, the point of my long story is to tell you, that your looks are not all you should be concerned about, if you decide not to correct your entire alignment, you may have more dental issues when you grow older and you would not want to go through all of this again from the beginning. Please do it now, while you have this treatment already underway. You will be glad you did. I think your amazing Ortho' Doc would agree with me. You will be so empowered to know you had the conviction to finish what you started. If you need more encouragement, I'm here for you. I wish I had done this years ago, but am so glad I am finally investing in my health and well being. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your stories. I love kiobird's and other's stories and encouragement here also. Give my regards to my fellow country man, your amazing Canadian Ortho Doc. Go forth and conquer your fears...I know you can do whatever you set your mind to.
byt anyway, thanks! 
) but other than that this arch wire feels like the one before that (I should have listened to my ortho 
). He tried to explain how unrealistic my fear was and I did not completely agree with him (but he was right 
. 
Im not scared of what they're going to do but if Im going to react bad to anesthesia or feel the pain. Or wake up with the tube down my throat.