Introduction...Getting Braces at 50

[Veviticus]

Hi everyone!
I have started the process of getting braces. I have already had my consultation, and will be going back next month for x-rays, mold impressions, spacers (I think) etc. I have decided to start my treatment at a dental school, which is much cheaper, but may take longer.
I joined this board early to get as much information as possible, since I don't like surprises or the unexpected.

Have a happy braces day.

[Tobilei]

Hi Welcome to the board and good luck for your big day

[SunshineRay]

Congrats on taking the next step. How did you find a dental school?

[Veviticus]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I live in Maryland, and grew up in DC, so I knew about the dental school. It's Howard University School of Dentistry. I have a co-worker who got her braces there, and is in the final months of her treatment. Her teeth look awesome!
I decided to do my research and search reviews, and finally made the decision to go.

[shekhinak]

Congratulations on taking the big step! You'll love how your smile looks when you're done. "Braces make for beautiful faces"

[Redfern]

Welcome to the board, and I hope your braces experience is a good one.

Doing your research ahead of time was wise, and I expect that a dental school will be up-to-date. I have had braces for 20 months now (I'm 52). They were supposed to come off this month, but they won't be off now for ... I don't know how long. The teeth are straight, but the bite is not good--terrible overbite that I did not have when I started.

My mistake was going to the ortho who did my children and not looking around. I really should have explored other orthos and gotten second opinions. I would have liked to explore options like Damon Clear or invisilign that would have been less noticeable, even if it took longer. I have ceramic on the 6 upper front, and metal on the rest.

My best advice is to have lots of lip balm and wax on hand.

Best of luck Veviticus!

[Veviticus]

Well, sadly...there has been a change of events. After looking at x-rays, it has been discovered that I do not have enough bone on my upper top front teeth to be able to support braces. So now I am in the process of having to decide if I want implants in place of my four upper front teeth...or...try to build up the bone with bone spam spam. To say that I am devastated is an understatement.
I really had to just step back and get myself together emotionally, so that I could make a rational decision on what to do. I will be seeing my otho and dentist next month.

[SunshineRay]

Aww Im sorry! I know they do bone grafting (not sure if thats the right word) or implants but have heard thats really expensive. I would be sad too but hopefully everything works out.