Bracing myself at 53!

[shredie79]

image.jpg

I had my new Damon's installed 2 weeks ago. I am settling into the reality of a new diet that will hopefully force me to lose a bit of weight. I can definitely feel and see movement taking place.
It has been fun getting advice from my middle school students!

I chose the all metal set up and feel a bit self conscious. My ortho suggested I save $500 by sticking to the metal; he also prefers adjustments and durability with the metal vs ceramic. In the end, it was my call.

[shredie79]

Two week update from the new Metal Mouth! Upper front 4 teeth straightening out a bit. Front 2 teeth unlayering. Is that a gap I see beginning to form? That one tooth has never seen the light of day! Bottom wire less crooked. My fang is protruding out more at this point as more room being made. It will be turned later and forced in line. Will need to decide whether to build up one front tooth or have one shaved to match...at the end of this adventure..... Pretty surprising given 2 weeks...oh, what will the next 2 weeks show?

[shredie79]

It is painless and possible to travel in a camper van for a week with braces. Just returning from a weeklong adventure in the backcountry of West Virginia. Thank heavens for the portable waterpik! I have used it three times daily albeit sometimes hunched over a curb or behind a bush in a parking lot. The point is, I've been able to keep up with my hygienic regimen without much trouble. The key is I created a portable kit complete with the water pic, floss, wax, toothpaste, toothbrush, orajel, fluoride , dental piks. Our van has an inverter so I can recharge the waterpik on the go. I store the portable bag in my desk at work and take it on the plane if I attend conferences.
This kit has been sooooo invaluable!

I continue to feel movement after week 3. I know something is happening. I feel the most movement before I go to sleep. My teeth roots feel 'spongey' almost tingly numbing. The teeth feel like they are touching and being pulled together when in reality they are not touching.

Wearing braces is like experiencing the weather in New England. If you don't like the feel of it, wait a minute and it will change. I've have painful Cankor sores one hour only a couple hours later to be healed...or a sore molar in the morning give way to no pain in the afternoon. Anyone else relate?

[lexieplexie]

CONGRATS ON PROGRESS!!! Yaay.

[Dougsey]

Keep us updated shredie. I'm also 53 and thinking about taking the plunge. Do you still feel good about your decision to get braces?

Doug

[shredie79]

Yes, I feel it was a good decision for me to brace myself. Another analogy? Getting braces is like wanting a dog for a long time and finally getting one. You dream about getting braces and picture your smile after the experience is over. Likewise, you envision your life with a faithful dog by your side, hiking trails with you and laying at your feet.

However, when you bring that puppy home, it cries, soils things, chews things up. You are left wondering why you got that dog to begin with. What were you thinking??!!!! Same with braces. At first, you ask yourself, "What was I thinking? Why did I do this voluntarily to myself? I was fine going about my life without braces.

And yet at four weeks now, I am into a routine that has become painless. The braces are now pretty much 'trained' and I accept them as part of my experience. As I would a new dog that is outgrowing its puppy stage. I can at this point say it's worth it.

Go for it, Doug! The class of '79 needs more representation in these forum
ranks.

[Dougsey]

Thanks shredie, that's a great analogy! My son is getting braced soon so I'm thinking about joining him and making it a father/son adventure!

[vyvyen]

Hello Shredie,

I'm 55 and get my braces in a week. Have two brackets on and a front tooth removed Your photo's look great and I shall be following in your footsteps. Cheers, Vyvyen

[shredie79]

Yes! Happy to hear I am not alone here! It's not a race but the marathon is certainly easier when navigating with others. Hope to hear from both of you two on this forum often! Believe me, you feel self conscious for only about a week that everyone is fixated on your teeth when in reality, they aren't! I teach Jr High students and I am in the process of greeting prospective tenants up close and personal as I am a landlord...tons of public exposure....no one flinches or cowers at my mouth....and i have all metal Damons.

[Dougsey]

Being self-conscious is my biggest issue. I mean sheesh, braces at 53! On the other hand, having the screwed up teeth that I have is certainly no better. I'll have to post a pic once I'm allowed. Anyway, consult is next week and we go from there.

[shredie79]

Interested to hear all about!

[vyvyen]

Hello,

I hear you Dougsey, braces in our 50's is pretty unusual but I too HATE my teeth. Well we can all support each other

[shredie79]

Hey, it's more fun if we all go through this together, right?!

[shredie79]

Got through a wire change this afternoon...no issues! A thicker wire was the only adjustment for now. The orthodontist is please with my progress to date! Only snag was one of the doors on my damon braces didn't want to cooperate and open. It felt uncomfortable to have the tech tug with a metal tool on my front tooth to pry it open. All the other gates easily opened. Other than a little tightness and pressure, the new arch wire doesn't hurt. Nothing in comparison to feeling the strange uncomfortableness of appointment #1 when braces installed. It took a week or so to get my gums/cheeks in shape.

[TheKT]

Class of 79' here...damon braces since 12/19.