I decided since I'm (FINALLY) braced, I would go ahead and post my story here. I've posted most of this info around the boards but I wanted to consolidate everything.
I guess I'll start at the beginning....
I didn't have dental insurance for a long time (I would say high school through college, I went to the dentist maybe twice). When I finally got my big girl job, I got dental insurance. A tough cleaning, and multiple fillings later, the dentist started to talk to me about cosmetic type stuff to get me a nice smile. I have a missing premolar that was taken out when I was 9 or 10, for reasons I don't really remember. The premolar on the other side is a baby tooth without anything underneath it. I also had a baby tooth on top with the adult tooth behind it. My dentist's original concern was the missing tooth and bone decay - went over dental implants and stuff about a year ago. In June when I went to my cleaning, he asked me if he could put together a comprehensive treatment plan for me. That was really the first mention of braces - I had briefly thought about braces in the past but nothing major. I thought it was too late for me - braces are for teenagers, right??
I went to the ortho my dentist recommended me to, I really liked their office and made plans to go ahead with that office. About a week before my extractions (wisdom and baby tooth) I got a call from their office saying the insurance came back as NO ADULT COVERAGE. Without the coverage, I wasn't going to be able to afford them. However, I decided to do some more research and get a couple more consults. Had my 2nd consult on Aug 21st with another office - their price was better and they were willing to work me regarding payment plans.
Ortho informed me my issues are: overcrowding on bottom, adult tooth hidden behind baby tooth, deep bite, overbite, and a cross bite on my molars.
August 22nd - Wisdom teeth extractions and baby tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth process wasn't too bad - a lot of swelling and bruising. I personally didn't have too much pain - I only took Ibuprofen and that was enough. They prescribed me pain killers but I didn't take any of them.
Sept 4th - Brace date. I was in the office for less than 2 hours - I did paperwork / financial stuff also. I was probably in the chair for less than an hour. I went to work straight after and had little problems with it. I wouldn't say it was hurting, but I could feel like tightness around my teeth and knew pain was coming.
2nd / 3rd day - Still tough to chew / eat. My molars don't really come together anymore - My front teeth hit my brackets before I can close my mouth all the way.
I made myself a little dental kit that includes flossers for braces, the little christmas tree brushes, wax, and a travel toothbrush. So far, at work, I havent felt the need to brush my teeth - a good swish with water seems to get anything dislodged. My night time ritual has become brushing, flossing, and then water piking.
If anyone has any questions or anything, let me know.
Sorry for the not so best quality photos - I had to take pictures of the printout they gave me. The color is all wonky.
Pictures from consult printout:
BRACED!!:
Did your ortho say anything to you about needing molar buildups or bumpers? I have an overbite too, and went a little while without them but would wake up in the morning clenching down so hard I was scared I was going to chip a tooth. Plus, it can be a little uncomfortable when you are talking or eating and all of a sudden BAM bite down on bracket lol, especially when the teeth are feeling more sensitive than usual. Anyways, just a thought!
Mostly since I've had my extractions, for a few nights there I was having to put a towel down on my pillow LOL
