Haven't told a soul

[julieh]

apparently i need braces, a fixed bite plate, and forsus. i do not know in which order. i do not even know if i can go thru with this. went in looking to get a replacement retainer for my crowded lowers. after a million pictures, they looked at me like i had two heads. the idea of needing, in my orthodontic's words, "various fixed appliances", is just not sitting well. he said that i am in no way a candidate for invisalign. somehow, i mustered the courage to return for my impressions this morning. they seemed surprised that i returned. when i told the receptionist that i needed to take time to talk about it, i honestly couldn't think of who i would feel comfortable discussing this with. i am too embarrassed. when she said the words, "your braces", i wanted to flee. i don't know if i can do this.

[auco99]

The hardest part, in my opinion, was just deciding whether or not to go through with it. Once I did, it was like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. Being an adult with braces isn't easy, but for me, it was better than the alternative of going through the rest of my life with subpar teeth. Just pray about it, and do what's right for you. You don't HAVE to get braces, but then again, you don't HAVE to have a smile you aren't happy with. Best of luck!

[whiteswan]

If you were just looking for a retainer and got bombarded with all that, I can certainly understand that you feel overwhelmed. Maybe it would be a good idea to go for a second opinion, just to know whether or not there are other options. If the next ortho says the same thing then you know it's a "do or don't do" thing. But, maybe the other ortho will come up with a slightly less invasive treatment plan.

[julieh]

thanks guys, i appreciate the input.

[BellaBraces]

I agree you should get a second opinion. At the end of the day, if your mouth is healthy and you can eat, then the level of unhappiness you have with your teeth will dictate how far you wish to go with treatment.

I have embarked on Six Month Smiles; my teeth have always bugged me but not enough to opt for 2-3 years of train tracks. I am fully aware that I am going for a cosmetic option and that is fine by me. It was either that or veneers but I don't like the idea of veneers.

[maeby]

I completely understand how you feel. I went into a consultation, knowing I needed braces, and was still overwhelmed by the orthodontist saying "your braces" and talking about extractions within five minutes of meeting him. It sort of flabbergasted me. After a few days, I was finally able to collect myself enough to make an appointment for a second consultation--one where the orthodontist just looked at my teeth, no molds or x-rays--and we talked. I was still able to get an estimate but I needed to take things slower.

I agree that, if you're even remotely interested in getting braces, go and get another consultation (mine were both free). It really put my mind at ease and helped me find an office and an orthodontist that I liked enough to stick with them for 2+ years.

I've only had braces for a week, but I know it was the right decision for me. I hope you are able to make the right decision for you. Best of luck!

[jem]

Yes it really hit me when I received an email from my orthodontist's practice manager telling me that she had booked me an appointment "for your brace putting on". I only really came to terms with it being "my" brace after the deed was done-and I have no regrets.

Good luck with whatever you decide, julieh, and don't be afraid to take your time.

Jem

[sjw87]

I went back and fourth with the idea of getting braces for over a year and my girlfriend was sick of me talking about it. Finally I went for my consulation and she insisted she go with. I ended up leaving with braces in the same appointment. it saved me all the anxiety of the actual bracing day. Good luck with everything!

[Marie45]

It took me two years and three different orthodontists' opinions before I decided to get braces and now, five months later, I don't regret it at all. When I saw past photos of me NEVER smiling I knew it was time to do something. Making the decision is the hardest part, so take your time and you will eventually know what is the best thing to do. Good Luck!

[dojo]

Hey, relax and stop worrying like this

I had some huge problems myself and the past 3 years couldn't do my treatment (we're traveling for months) so imagine I need to re-start my treatment in October after 3 years of treatment already.

IT'S NOT THAT HARD. If you have a good orthodontist, you'll be OK. I had 3 extractions done in 8 days, I was super fine. I had to wear Damon and then Invisalign. I had all kinds of stuff on my teeth, even 12 months with Herbst. Google it and see how 'cute' it is. It all went flying by. My teeth are in way better condition than when we started and I am confident getting back to my treatment will be great.

Try to get a good doctor and imagine your teeth when the treatment is done. IT'S WORTH IT

[MrCrowded]

If you aren't happy with the treatment plan get another opinion (you should always get more than one anyway).

If it's the treatment plan you're shocked by, I know how you feel. One specialist ortho (who I believe has somewhat of an ego) I visited ended up finally suggesting I have jaw surgery if I didn't want extractions. I think he was just being a jerk though because I objected to his initial treatment plan (4 extractions) and told him I had been advised by another ortho that they could do it without. Seems he didn't like me questioning his judgement (why not, I was paying for the consult). His revised plan was frankly absurd and even I knew it.

[Darrinoc]

For me, the first day I had my braces on, I wished I had had them earlier in my life. It the fear of the commitment and social stigma. Found out the commitment was so worth it (like working out, feel better with all the improvement), and there was no social stigma (everyone was supportive and a few friends were so inspired that they consider braces)

[overbite23]

After removing my 4 wisdoms my dentist/ orthodontist came to the conclusion that I would need an expander and would have to wear it for six months with along with my top braces. I was not pleased with his course of action so I went to get second opinons from 2 other orthodontists (specialists) who did not feel expansion would work in my case & that extraction wouldl be best. So six months later after going over the different opinions I decided to go with the extraction route. Today is my fifth day with braces on and will be getting my bicuspids extracted in 6 months, originally I was supposed to get them extracted before getting my braces but I insisted to see if my teeth could potentially be saved.

You should get many different opinons to see if there are other alternatives. At least that way you will have peace of mind knowing that you chose the best treatment plan for yourself.

[Mylene]

I love FINALLY getting my teeth fixed! I wish I had done this 20 years ago!